Four Chinese illegal miners operating at Bamianko in Nzema East in the Western Region have been arrested together with one Ghanaian accomplice.
The five people were arrested after a successful operation led by the Nzema East MCE Dorcas Amoah and other members of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC).
To carry on with the illegal mining, the arrested persons per reports had cleared large tracts of arable cocoa farmlands in a forest at Bamianko close to the 42 community.
Their activities have also left the Ankobra River heavily polluted.
Speaking to the media, Nzema East MCE Dorcas Amoah vowed not to rest. She said she will stay vigilant and ensure illegal mining is clamped down in her jurisdiction.
“How is it possible that despite the number of caution and announcements, people still have the effrontery to be engaging in illegal mining? What worries me the most is how our own people find it convenient to collaborate with foreigners on this destruction spree. It is very sad. But I make a solemn promise that we will not rest. If it means going after them every day, then that is exactly what we will do,” the MCE said.
Dorcas Amoah added, “The talk is over. Now there will be non-stop action. We will pursue them wherever they are till the last one leaves.”
The five people arrested include, Li Hung Zhi, Bao Lin, Qianxi Uuana, Zhang Xia [all Chinese], and Kweku Zack [the Ghanaian accomplice].
At the time of the arrest, four excavators, 2 pump action guns, 1 locally manufactured rifle, a cache of live ammunition, 1 Changfan, and other items, were confiscated.
While the four Chinese and the Ghanaian accomplice are in Police custody, the seized items have also been sent to the Axim Divisional Police Command.
