Seven(7) illegal miners have been arrested and about 60 mining equipment, including excavators, have been confiscated in a major joint Military and Police operation against illegal mining in the Eastern Region.
The breakdown of the seized equipment include ,Excavators ,24 excavator batteries, 16 pumping machines, a chainsaw machine,
3 monitors, 5 control boards ,3 single barrel, two pump action riffles and Cartridges , one weighing scale, one greasing machine and 2 rubber carpets and cash of Ghc3000
The operations were carried out by a joint collaboration between the Military from Southern Command and the Police from Eastern Regional Police Command in Denkyembuor, Atiwa West, Lower West Akyem, Ayensuano, Fanteakwa South and Kwaebibirim districts.
The Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey reiterated commitment of John Mahama led government to fighting illegal mining.
The Minister assured that none of the seized equipments will be released to the owners or disappeared .
The suspects are being prepared to be arraigned before court on Monday.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Obed Ansah
