Five Arrested for Illegal Mining in Central North Region

The Central North Regional Police Command has announced the arrest of five individuals in connection with illegal mining activities on the River Fum at Assin Ayitey, a farming community near Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North Constituency.

According to a statement released by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Central North Region, the suspects include two Ghanaians and three Chinese nationals. The arrests were carried out on April 7, 2025, by the Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce.

The suspects have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba, aged 38; Douglas Nyamekye, 36; Ma Jian, 37; Ma Young, 31; and Ma Haibi, 54. They are currently in police custody and are being processed for court proceedings.

During the operation, two excavators with chassis numbers SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365E00762 were discovered at the illegal mining site. Although the operators fled with the ignition keys, the police are working to transport the machines to a holding facility. Investigations are also ongoing to trace and prosecute the owners of the excavators.

In addition, a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with registration number GE 2743-13 was found at the site and has been impounded by the police.

ASP Francis Onyina of the Public Affairs Directorate assured the public that the police remain committed to clamping down on illegal mining operations in the region and bringing all culprits to justice.