Osino Zongo Landlord, 4 Others Arrested Over Illegal Mining

 

Personnel of the National Security, in collaboration with the Fanteakwa South District Assembly in the Eastern Region, have arrested a landlord and four others for engaging in illegal mining activities.

The landlord (name withheld) is alleged to have sold his four-bedroom house at Osino for GH¢800,000 to some individuals to undertake illegal mining.

According to preliminary findings, the suspects deceived residents by claiming they were digging a well, but it was later discovered that the pit had been expanded into a deep underground mine in search of gold.

Neighbouring residents immediately reported the development to the district authorities.

Acting on the tip-off, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South, Mercy Korang, led security operatives to the site, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

The team found the illegal miners actively working underground using washing equipment and other tools.

Upon arrival, it was also observed that several houses in the area had already been damaged or demolished, signaling preparations for full-scale mining operations.

Residents who spoke to the media said the illegal miners mostly operated under the cover of darkness to evade detection.

“You can clearly see the extent of the damage caused by these illegal miners. It’s really traumatising. We are very worried our buildings could soon collapse due to underground mining operations,” one affected resident said.

The DCE expressed shock and dismay at the incident, describing it as a “disturbing trend that must be stopped immediately.”

She vowed to intensify the district’s fight against illegal mining, warning that property owners and residents complicit in galamsey operations would face severe legal consequences.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has given all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the region a two-week ultimatum to profile miners and their financiers operating within their jurisdictions.

The directive aims to pave the way for a major crackdown on those polluting water bodies and destroying forest reserves.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Osino Police for further investigation.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

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