The Ghana Police Service has arrested Adams Smith, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Youth Organiser for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso Municipality in the Western North Region, in connection with the alleged disappearance of heavy excavators previously seized from an illegal mining site.
Police say the arrest followed inquiries into the movement of excavators that had been confiscated during anti-galamsey enforcement operations conducted by the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in the area. At the time of seizure, the heavy machinery had been secured at a storage site due to limited space at the municipal assembly.
According to the Municipal Chief Executive, Sebastian Obeng, unease arose when information emerged that individuals were attempting to move the excavators on a low-bed truck despite police presence at the storage location. Police say that three of the excavators had already been taken from the site before the movement was halted.
Officials say that in the course of investigations, it emerged that Smith allegedly granted permission for the excavators to be moved, leading to his arrest. Efforts by police resulted in the tracing of two of the seized machines to Juabo in Amenfi Central District and another to Upper Denkyira West District.
Local authorities have said investigations are ongoing to determine whether Smith acted alone or in concert with others, and to clarify the details surrounding the relocation of the equipment. The Municipal Chief Executive also referenced alleged claims that the suspect demanded GH¢600,000 in exchange for facilitating the excavation movement, with GH¢400,000 reportedly received before his arrest. Police have not independently confirmed these financial allegations and are expected to assess them as part of their inquiry.
The police action comes amid heightened efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal mining activities and safeguard confiscated assets. The movement or sale of equipment seized in enforcement operations undermines those efforts and raises questions about the integrity of oversight and custodial arrangements for recovered machinery.