Osino landlord arrested for selling home to galamsey operators

A landlord at Osino Zongo in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region has been arrested for allegedly selling his four-bedroom residence to illegal miners, who later converted the property into a base for galamsey operations.

The arrest, which has caused widespread outrage among residents, was made on Tuesday, October 7, during a joint operation led by District Chief Executive (DCE) Mercy Korang in collaboration with National Security operatives.

According to reports, the team acted on intelligence and raided the compound, where they found the suspects engaged in underground mining disguised as well-digging. Equipment including washing machines and digging tools were reportedly seized from the site.

Investigations have so far revealed that the landlord allegedly sold the property for GH₵800,000 to the illegal miners, who deceptively presented their activities as a water project. The supposed well was later discovered to be a deep mining pit used for gold extraction.

Residents have expressed fear that the unregulated excavation has compromised the structural integrity of nearby houses, with some already damaged or destroyed to make way for the illegal mining.

DCE Mercy Korang condemned the act, describing it as a dangerous betrayal of community trust.

The suspect and three accomplices are currently in police custody at Osino, assisting with further investigations.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has directed all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to compile a list of miners and their financiers within two weeks as part of a broader regional crackdown on illegal mining operations.