Assemblyman, 3 others arrested over galamsey clash with police

The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has apprehended the Assemblyman for Bonteso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region and three others for allegedly attacking officers during an operation against illegal mining.

The suspects have been identified as Patrick Asare, the Assemblyman for the area; Akwesi Amponsah; Osei Vasco; and Owusu Alexander.

According to the police, the arrests were made on Wednesday, August 13, after the task force seized an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining during a routine patrol.

While arrangements were being made to transport the machine, the assemblyman allegedly led a group of miners to confront the team.

The police added that the crowd pelted the officers with stones and other objects, threatened bloodshed, and attempted to prevent the removal of the excavator.

“They openly dared the police not to move the excavator,” an officer said.

Despite the provocation, the task force exhibited what the police termed “professional” conduct and successfully apprehended four individuals, including the assemblyman.

During the confrontation, two officers, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao sustained injuries.

The police reported that the miners obstructed all exit routes, effectively trapping the team in the area. When the task force attempted to clear the blockade, they faced live gunfire.

Two individuals were spotted firing pump-action shotguns, posing a significant threat to the safety of the officers involved.

In response, the team utilised what was deemed “appropriate force” to neutralise the danger, disperse the hostile crowd, and secure the excavator, which was later transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safekeeping and further action.

All four suspects are expected to be conveyed to Accra for prosecution.