Obuasi court remands nine illegal miners over galamsey activities

The Obuasi Circuit Court presided over by His Lordship Mark Tairima Diboro, has remanded nine individuals into police custody for engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) at Adaase, a farming community in the Obuasi Municipality.

The suspects, charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of illegal mining and destroying lands and river bodies, are scheduled to reappear in court on February 27, 2025.

Their arrest followed a special operation conducted by the Military, Police, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) as part of efforts to combat illegal mining, which continues to degrade the environment and contaminate water sources.

Speaking after the court ruling, Lawyer Osei Akomeah, counsel for the complainant, expressed optimism about the ongoing legal efforts to curb galamsey. He emphasized that with strict enforcement of the law, illegal mining can be effectively tackled.

The complainant, Nana Gyamerah Kwabena Yiakwan II, Kwapiahene, raised concerns over the absence of some accused persons in court. He called for a swift prosecution to ensure justice is served and to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities.