The Police at dawn on 9th September 2022 arrested nine more suspects and retrieved three excavators and three pump action guns in another anti-galamsey operation in the Western Region.
Their arrest comes days after the Police extended its investigation tentacles to establish the Ghanaian sponsors of Chinese illegal miners arrested at Asiama in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
“As the investigation continues, we would like to assure the public that all other accomplices, both Ghanaian and foreigners will be arrested and brought to face justice.” Police statement noted
In the statement released on Thursday, September 8, 2022, the police said it has contacted the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for details of the arrested five Chinese illegal small-scale miners to establish their immigration status and their Ghanaian sponsors to assist with the investigation.
They were reportedly smoked out of their hideout at Asiama, in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
At a press briefing held recently the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource in charge of mining, Mr Mireku Duker issued a stern warning to persons involved in illegal mining operations, stressing that the fight against the canker continuous unabated.
He disclosed that the Operation Halt II taskforce was still undertaking its charge of protecting the country’s resources.