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By Samuel Asamoah
An anti-galamsey operation by the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force turned violent when illegal miners, allegedly led by the local assemblyman, launched a coordinated armed attack to prevent the seizure of an excavator at Bonteso.
According to an incident report filed by DSP Karim Mahama and ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, the task force, on routine patrol at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, discovered an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining, causing severe environmental damage in the area. The officers moved in to seize the machine but were met with fierce resistance.
Witness accounts and police statements indicate that the Assemblyman for the electoral area, identified as Patrick Asare, mobilized a group of illegal miners who began pelting the police with stones and other objects. The miners openly threatened the officers, vowing to shed blood if the excavator was moved.
The situation escalated when two individuals were spotted firing pump-action shotguns at the security personnel. In the ensuing confrontation, ASP Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao sustained head, mouth, and leg injuries. The miners reportedly blocked all exit routes to prevent the team from leaving with the seized equipment.
Police said the task force came under live fire while attempting to clear the blockade, forcing them to return fire to neutralize the threat. The team managed to make arrests before regaining control of the area.
Four suspects Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, Patrick Asare (Assemblyman), Owusu Alexander were taken into custody
One excavator was successfully transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safekeeping, while a second machine was left behind due to the heightened threat. No further police casualties were recorded, and the hostile crowd was dispersed.
Police describe the incident as evidence of the “high level of hostility, organization, and armed resistance” among illegal mining operators in the area, stressing the need for reinforced security and tactical planning in future operations.
The four arrested suspects are being prepared for transfer to Accra for further investigation and prosecution.
