A Tarkwa Circuit Court presided over by Judge Hathia Ama Manoel remanded 12 suspected illegal miners into police custody following their arrest in the Western Region. The suspects allegedly engaged in unauthorized mining activities within the Bonsa River which serves as a critical water source for the local population. According to reports from 3News and Citi Newsroom the court proceedings took place after the security task force presented the accused individuals on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and mining without a license.
The joint security operation comprising personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service conducted the sweep on January 22. A report by MyJoyOnline indicates that the patrol was part of a broader government mandate to eliminate galamsey activities from water bodies. Security officials reportedly seized various tools and equipment used for alluvial mining during the intervention including water pumping machines and locally manufactured floating platforms known as changfans.
The prosecution requested that the court deny bail to the suspects to allow the police more time to finalize their investigations and identify other accomplices who fled the scene. A 3News report noted that the judge agreed with the prosecution citing the seriousness of environmental crimes and the potential for the suspects to interfere with ongoing inquiries. The identity of the 12 individuals remains under verification while the court has instructed the police to provide adequate medical care for any suspects who reported ill health during the arrest.
The Western Regional Police Command stated that the crackdown on illegal mining remains a high priority given the turbidity levels of the Bonsa River. Official statements from the Ghana Police Service confirm that the suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on February 6 for further hearing. Legal representatives for the accused have expressed their intention to file for bail at the next session arguing that their clients are local laborers rather than the financiers of the illegal operations.