Security agencies arrest seven illegal miners, weapons retrieved

Seven illegal miners have been arrested and about 60 mining equipment, including excavators, have been confiscated in a major joint military and Police operation against illegal mining in the Eastern Region.

The breakdown of the seized equipment includes Excavators, 24 excavator batteries, 16 pumping machines, a chainsaw machine, three monitors, five control boards, three single-barrel, two pump-action rifles, and Cartridges, one weighing scale, one greasing machine, two rubber carpets, and cash of Ghc3000.

The operations were carried out by a collaboration between the Military from the Southern Command and the Police from the Eastern Regional Police Command in Denkyembuor, Atiwa West, Lower West Akyem, Ayensuano, Fanteakwa South, and Kwaebibirim districts.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, reiterated the commitment of the John Mahama-led government to fighting illegal mining.

The Minister assured that none of the seized equipment will be released to the owners or disappear.

The suspects are being prepared to be arraigned before the court on Monday.