Published originally on May 3, 2025
An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Kezita Naa Koowa Quarshie, has ordered the remand of twelve individuals into police custody over their alleged involvement in illegal mining and water pollution on the Tano River in Ghana’s Western Region.
The suspects—Evans Atanga Agana (alias Oldman), Stephen Tuffour Bempah (alias Kofi Adutwum), Samuel Addai, Joseph Antwi (alias Kofi Antwi), Elijah Atambila, Kennedy Akwasi Awimbora (a student), Waja Matthew, Naya Sampana, Janet Atanga, Beatrice Amponsah, Aishetu Gariba, and Grace Enyonam Amorkupor—were arrested on April 18, 2025, during a special police operation targeting illegal mining (commonly referred to as galamsey) on local water bodies.
They are facing two main charges: conducting mining activities without a license, in violation of Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995; and polluting water bodies, contrary to Section 24 of the Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522).
Senior State Attorney Nana Ama A. Prempeh, presenting the case, informed the court that the arrests were carried out by a police task force from the National Headquarters in Accra. The operation was commissioned by the Inspector General of Police as part of a crackdown on illegal mining along the Tano and Subiri rivers near Samreboi.
According to the prosecution, the suspects were caught red-handed engaging in illegal mining within the Tano River. The affected stretch of the river had turned a brownish hue, visibly contaminated by the mining activity. While twelve individuals were apprehended, others reportedly fled and are currently being sought by authorities.
The court has adjourned the case to May 14, 2025, to allow for further investigations.
