Illegal Miners Attack IGP's Anti-Galamsey Special Task Force
- Illegal miners in Bonteso reportedly attacked the IGP's special anti-galamsey task force after police seized an excavator
- During the confrontation, two police officers, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao, sustained injuries
- The police eventually regained control and arrested the local assembly member, Patrick Asare, along with two more
A group of illegal miners in Bonteso, Ashanti region, has reportedly attacked the Inspector General of Police (IGP)'s special task force to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The incident occurred after the police task force seized an excavator from an illegal mining site near Manso Nkwanta.
Source: Getty Images
According to a report by Joy Online, the illegal miners, led by the local assembly member, pelted stones at the police in an attempt to prevent them from leaving the site.
As a result, the leader of the IGP's special anti-galamsey task force, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao sustained injuries.
Consequently, the police team reportedly fired several warning shots to disperse the crowd, which had charged at them.
Having regained control over the situation, the police managed to arrest the assembly member, Patrick Asare, along with two others: Osei Vasco and Akwesi Amponsah.
The suspects were later transported, along with the seized excavator, to the Manso Adubia Police Station.
The report suggested that the Manso area has been infamous for widespread illegal mining, which has destroyed farmlands and contaminated local streams over the years.
33 excavators disappear in police custody
Meanwhile, Dr Hannah Bissiw-Kotei, the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), claimed that 33 excavators, previously handed over to the police, had gone missing.
Giving a statement on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the MDF head explained that 40 excavators were seized from illegal miners and entrusted to the police for safekeeping.
However, upon returning the following day to collect the excavators, she discovered that only seven were accounted for, leaving 33 unaccounted for.
“We handed over 40 seized excavators to the police, but when we came back the next morning, only seven were left. I was not happy with the situation and confronted the police commander about it. The seven we retrieved are currently in custody,” she reportedly disclosed.
"During my next operation at Atetem, I went with engineers as well as uniformed and plainclothes police and military officers. I also wore body armour because the last time we were ambushed, and even came under fire. The engineers ensured that the excavators, which had trackers installed to prevent us from moving them, were successfully removed from the galamsey sites."
Security analyst proposes community-based solutions
Reacting to this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh, Yakub Alfa Suleiman, the founder of the Journalists Network for Peace and Security (JNePS), stated that the recent attack on the IGP's special anti-galamsey task force by illegal miners in Bonteso highlights the growing resistance and hostility towards law enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining.
He suggested that the task force be equipped with non-lethal crowd control measures, such as tear gas or rubber bullets, to respond to violent situations.
The JNePS founder also recommended engaging with local communities to raise awareness about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining and providing alternative livelihood opportunities to reduce reliance on these activities.
Additionally, he proposed implementing sustainable livelihood programmes, such as agriculture and vocational training, to provide alternative income sources for communities affected by illegal mining.
"The recent attack on the IGP's special anti-galamsey task force by illegal miners in Bonteso highlights the growing resistance and hostility towards law enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining," he stated.
"I would suggest the following: ensure the task force is equipped with non-lethal crowd control measures, such as tear gas or rubber bullets, to respond to violent situations. Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the environmental and economic impact of illegal mining. Provide alternative livelihood opportunities to reduce reliance on these activities, and implement sustainable livelihood programmes, such as agriculture and vocational training, to offer income sources for communities affected by illegal mining," the security expert added.
Source: UGC
Chairman of small-scale miners association arrested
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, was arrested by galamsey task force.
Kojo Peprah was accused of interfering with the arrest of illegal miners working in the Desiri Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
Authorities stated that the operation during which he was nabbed was part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining in Ghana.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
