A Tarkwa Circuit Court presided over by Judge Hathia Ama Manu remanded six suspects into police custody for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. The individuals were apprehended within the Bonsa River Forest Reserve located in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region. A 3News report identified the suspects as George Gado and five others who now face charges related to unauthorized mining in a protected area.
The arrest occurred during a joint operation conducted by the Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission. According to official statements from the Forestry Commission reported by Citi Newsroom the team discovered the suspects operating inside the forest reserve without valid permits. Officials noted that the activities caused significant damage to the local ecosystem and water bodies within the protected zone.
Security personnel seized several items at the site including water pumping machines and various mining tools used for alluvial mining. A GhanaWeb report stated that the prosecution requested more time to conclude investigations into the full scale of the operation and to identify potential financiers. The court accepted the plea of the prosecution and denied bail based on the severity of the environmental charges and the risk of the suspects returning to the site.
The Bonsa River Forest Reserve has been a focal point for the government crackdown on illegal mining known locally as galamsey. Daily Graphic reports indicate that the Forestry Commission has intensified patrols to prevent further encroachment on natural resources. The six suspects are expected to reappear in the Tarkwa Circuit Court on October 21 2024 to enter their pleas and face further proceedings according to court records cited by local media.