Illegal miners arraigned before court

Sixteen illegal miners including four Ivoirians were on Wednesday arraigned before a Takoradi Circuit court ‘B” and provisionally charged with illegal mining.

Their pleas were not taken and remanded in custody to re-appear on May 11.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police Albert Dalatsa told the court presided over by Mr. Charles Bamford Nimako, that, the accused were arrested by a joint Military/Police operation against illegal mining in water bodies at Bonsaso, Asuoso, Sekyere Hemang and other parts of the region.

The Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ransford Moses Ninson had assured Ghanaians that the Command would clamp down on illegal small scale mining in the region.

He told the media that the Command would not relent in its efforts against illegal mining and would pursue the operators relentlessly.

“We are therefore sounding a word of caution to all illegal small scale miners to put a stop to their nefarious activities or apply for concession and license from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to regularize your mining activities”, he said.

Source: GNA