NDC Deputy Youth Organiser Allegedly Arrested Over Missing Excavators
- NDC deputy youth organiser, Adams Smith, has reportedly been arrested over the alleged disappearance of seized excavators in Bibiani-Anhwiaso
- The Municipal Executive said the machines were moved despite police presence, with some traced to Amenfi Central and Upper Denkyira West
- Smith allegedly demanded GH¢600,000 for the relocation of the excavators and reportedly received a sum of GH¢400,000 before his arrest
A deputy youth organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bibiani-Anhwiaso in the Western North Region, Adams Smith, has reportedly been arrested over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of excavators seized from an illegal mining site in the area.
According to Ghanaweb, the arrest followed investigations by the Ghana Police Service into the movement of the confiscated machinery.
Source: Getty Images
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Municipality, Sebastian Obeng, explained that the excavators were originally confiscated by the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources before he assumed office in April 2025.
He said several excavators had already been secured by the authorities, but due to lack of space at the assembly, some were moved to Malta, a suburb of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso Constituency.
According to the MCE, the Forestry Manager subsequently informed him that someone had attempted to move the excavators parked at Malta.
"Last Thursday, the Forestry Manager called to inform me that someone was attempting to move the excavators with low-bed trucks. I contacted the Police Commander, who confirmed receiving similar intelligence," he said.
Allegations against NDC deputy organiser Adams Smith
Obeng further stated that although 10 excavators were stationed at the site, three had already been moved before the police could intervene.
"They had moved three and were returning for the fourth. I therefore directed that the low-bed operator be arrested. During investigations, it emerged that the NDC deputy organiser had allegedly granted permission for the movement," the MCE said.
He said the police managed to trace two of the heavy-duty mining machines to Juabo in Amenfi Central, while another was recovered from the Upper Denkyira West District.
The MCE added that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the NDC deputy youth organiser acted alone or with accomplices.
Although he could not confirm it, Obeng claimed that Smith allegedly demanded GH¢600,000 and received GH¢400,000, with the remaining GH¢200,000 to be paid after the relocation of the excavators.
He said the location of the seized excavators was not abandoned, as there were police officers stationed at the site.
Source: UGC
NDC Organiser and Vice Chairman investigated
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, had instructed the EOCO to investigate the NDC Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga and National Organiser, Joseph Yammin, over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
The probe, stemming from a report, sought to uncover the extent of their role in galamsey and identify others implicated, with the EOCO tasked with gathering evidence and recommending appropriate action to uphold the rule of law and protect Ghana’s abundant natural resources.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
