Seven remanded over illegal mining operation in Wassa Dunkwa
The accused—Douglas Bediako, Samuel Tanor (alias Ameyaw), Richard Yaw Sey, Justin Akyirbri, Shon Vitus, Akembasiya James, and Gideon Asordina—are facing charges of conspiracy and illegal mining without ministerial authorization.
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An Accra High Court has ordered the remand of seven individuals alleged to have been involved in unauthorized mining activities at Wassa Dunkwa in Ghana’s Western Region.
The accused—Douglas Bediako, Samuel Tanor (alias Ameyaw), Richard Yaw Sey, Justin Akyirbri, Shon Vitus, Akembasiya James, and Gideon Asordina—are facing charges of conspiracy and illegal mining without ministerial authorization.
During the court session presided over by Justice Mrs. Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, the suspects did not enter pleas. They are scheduled to return to court on May 15, 2025.
According to the case facts presented in court, the arrest followed a targeted anti-galamsey operation led by police officers from the National Headquarters in Accra, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
On May 1, 2025, the law enforcement team encountered the suspects actively mining at Wassa Dunkwa, near Asankragwa. Officers reportedly captured video evidence of the suspects operating in the pits, leading to their immediate arrest.
The defendants reportedly told police they were hired by third parties to work at the site. Authorities also impounded a Sanny excavator operated by Douglas Bediako, bearing registration number GN 695-24.
The case forms part of Ghana’s renewed clampdown on illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation and water pollution in various regions.
