Four people have been arrested and are in police custody in connection with illegal mining activities blamed for the collapse of a bridge over the River Kukubu in the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District, Ashanti Region.
According to JoyNews, the arrests followed its report on the destroyed bridge and an intervention by President John Mahama and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene. Chale News, citing JoyNews, also reported the four arrests.
The Regional Minister said overflow water that had submerged the road had been drained, the clogged bridge cleared and work on the affected stretch had begun. JoyNews reported that the section is being gravelled with boulders to improve access.
The bridge was the only route linking Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire and nearby communities to the main road at Seribuso and Mankranso. A JoyNews visit on 25 October 2026 found it had caved in after illegal miners allegedly excavated and degraded land along the riverbanks.
Residents said pupils, traders and farmers had been cut off, and some alleged they faced threats from illegal miners and their bodyguards when they challenged the activities.
The identities of the four suspects and any charges have not been made public. They remain presumed innocent, and no court appearance has been reported.