The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has arrested the Assemblyman for Bonteso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, along with three others, for allegedly inciting a violent confrontation with officers during an operation against illegal mining.
The suspects have been named as Patrick Asare, the Assemblyman for the area, Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, and Owusu Alexander.
Police say the arrests took place on Wednesday, August 13, after the task force intercepted an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining during a routine patrol. While arrangements were being made to transport the machine, the assemblyman allegedly led a group of miners to confront the team.
According to the police, the crowd pelted the officers with stones and other objects, threatened bloodshed, and attempted to prevent the removal of the excavator. “They openly dared the police not to move the excavator,” an officer said.
Despite the provocation, the task force maintained what Police described as “professional” conduct and succeeded in arresting four individuals, including the assemblyman. Two officers: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao, sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The police reported that the miners blocked all exit routes to trap the team in the area. When the task force attempted to clear the blockade, the officers came under live fire. Two individuals were seen firing pump action guns, which also threatened the safety of the men.
The team responded with what authorities called “appropriate force” to neutralise the threat, disperse the hostile crowd, and secure the excavator, which was later taken to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safe custody and further action.
All four suspects are expected to be transferred to Accra for prosecution.
