Chinese galamsey operators at the Obuasi Police Station
THIRTY-EIGHT Chinese nationals and their Ghanaian counterparts have been arrested by personnel of the Obuasi Divisional Police Command for engaging in illegal gold mining activities within the concession of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) at the Amansie Central District.
The suspects were arrested around 4:30am on Tuesday at Akutoase, a village near Jacobu, and its surrounding areas while working with their excavators and other mining equipment in the concession of AGA, the Obuasi Divisional Police Commander told DAILY GUIDE.
ACP Kofi Dwumfour Berchie said the 41-member contingent, led by DSP Iddrisu Tanko Issifu, also seized from the Chinese galamsey operators six pickups, three excavators and other mining equipment.
The 38 people arrested at the Akutoase village area were Jin Yiyi, Wen Fu, Wen Hailu, Taw Hai Feng, Wen Zhou Yong, Chen Zhougzheng, Lu dong hu, Men mingxi, Lu Ham Re, Lu Jiam Yong, Li Jiam Heng and Qun Jun nen.
Others were Qun Zheng Jum, Zhoug Fei, Wen Hai Shong, Qin Yi, Qinshan Hai, Wen Zhi Wei, Wen, Qiang Hair, Li Quan, Gan Gian Wu, and Wen Hai Siang.
The rest were Li Ke mim, Li Kao Jing, Liu Peng Xian, In In Yuan, Qin Bao Xing, Li Xi ha, Quwei Hei Yong, Li Zheng, Shong Zhong guen, Wen Jina Xing, Miy Wey, Wen hai jiang, Wen gan tang, and Mung ist.
ACP Berchie narrated that the security operative arrived deep in the night at the village and found the Chinese galamsey operators mining in the middle of river Kowia, causing serious environmental problems for residents.
The police chief said his men conducted the operation to flush out the miscreants after the owners of the concession drew the attention of the police to the havoc being caused by these foreigners.
He said the team mounted the operation at around 3:00am at Akutoase, where the galamsey operators were busily mining for gold without operating licenses.
He said that those arrested would be sent to the police regional headquarters in Kumasi for the next action to be taken.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Obuasi
