Police Nab Suspect in Galamsey Operation Near Atiwa West School
The Akyem-Kwabeng District Police Command has arrested a man in connection with illegal mining activities near the Kwabeng Anglican Senior High Technical School in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.
The suspect, Tweneboah, popularly known as “Gogome,” was picked up in the early hours of December 15, at about 5:30 a.m., during a targeted operation approved by the Atiwa West District Chief Executive, Hon. Amo Johnson Anom.
The arrest follows growing concerns over unauthorised mining activities around the school’s premises, which were first highlighted publicly by New Patriotic Party Communication Team member, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, through a Facebook post drawing attention to the environmental and safety risks posed by the operations.
About two weeks prior to the arrest, the District Security Taskforce had attempted to apprehend suspected illegal miners during a routine monitoring exercise. The suspects reportedly fled the scene upon spotting the taskforce, abandoning mining equipment in the process. Two excavators were subsequently seized at the site.
Speaking after the arrest, Hon. Amo Johnson Anom disclosed that he has instructed Xtra Gold Mining Company to begin reclaiming the degraded land to prevent further environmental damage. He emphasised that the district authorities will not tolerate illegal activities that endanger livelihoods, public infrastructure, or the environment.
The DCE further confirmed that police investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction as the law takes its course.
