Twelve remanded for illegal mining, polluting River Tano
The accused persons—who include a motor mechanic, trader, driver, farmer, student, mason, and several market women—have had their pleas formally entered.
Twelve individuals have been arraigned before the Accra High Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining operations without the required licenses at Aboi-Nkwanta in the Western Region, leading to the pollution of the River Tano.
The accused persons—who include a motor mechanic, trader, driver, farmer, student, mason, and several market women—have had their pleas formally entered.
Among them are Evans Atanga Agana, Stephen Tuffour Bempah, Samuel Addai, Joseph Antwi, Elijah Atambilla, and Kennedy Akwasi Awimbora. The others include Waja Matthew, Naya Sampana, Janet Atanga, Beatrice Amponsah, Aishetu Gariba, and Grace Enyomam Amorkupor.
The case is being heard by Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, who ordered that the suspects be remanded into custody until their next appearance on May 14, 2025.
Their arrest followed a special operation carried out on April 18, 2025, by officers from the National Police Headquarters in Accra, who had been deployed by the Inspector General of Police to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
According to prosecutors, the team encountered the suspects mining along the Tano and Subiri Rivers near Samreboi, where they observed heavily discolored water—believed to be the result of mining activity.
The prosecution added that investigations are still ongoing and that efforts are underway to apprehend others believed to be involved in the operation.
