A Tarkwa Circuit Court presided over by Judge Hathia Ama Manu remanded three individuals into police custody for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities according to a Citi Newsroom report. The suspects identified as Alhassan Janat and two others were apprehended during an operation led by the forest guards of the Forestry Commission. The arrest took place within the boundaries of the Bonsa River Forest Reserve in the Western Region the Ghana News Agency reported.
Prosecutors alleged that the suspects were found engaging in small scale mining activities without the requisite legal permits from the Minerals Commission. The Forestry Commission officials stated that the suspects caused significant damage to the local ecosystem by excavating large pits and diverting water bodies to wash gold ore. This operation according to a GhanaWeb report is part of a broader national effort to curb the menace of illegal mining commonly referred to as galamsey in protected areas.
The court heard that the accused persons entered the forest reserve without a written permit from the Forestry Commission which is a violation of the Forest Protection Act. During the arrest security officials seized various mining equipment and hand tools reportedly used in the operation. While the suspects have not yet entered a formal plea their legal representatives requested bail which the court denied citing the gravity of the environmental crimes and the ongoing investigations as reported by Adom Online.
The prosecution requested more time to conclude their inquiries and to identify other accomplices who are currently at large. The judge ordered the trio to remain in police custody to ensure they do not interfere with the gathering of evidence at the crime scene. The case has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing while the Ghana Police Service continues to monitor the mining sites as part of the government crackdown on environmental degradation.