The arrest was effected in the Humgibire’s Forest in the Bibiani Anhiawso Bekwai District where the people were carrying out the illegal trade.

Bekwai District Police Commander, Nana Kumi led the team of policemen from both Bibiani and Bekwai Police stations for the operation.

They are now in the custody of the Bibiani Police and are to be transferred to Takoradi for prosecution.

 BACKGROUND

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resourcees, John Peter Amewu early this year placed a six month ban on illegal mining to help curb the degradation of the vegetative cover, as well as excessive pollutions to water bodies particularly in regions with gold potentials.

The government gave the ban a further boost with the launch of “Operation Vanguard” where security personnel made up of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Police Service were deployment to three regions including Ashanti, Eastern and Western regions which were considered to be the most affected areas.

 The anti-galamsey task force was tasked to patrol their assigned regions until all forms of illegal mining have been stopped.

 So far, the operations of the task force have led to the arrest of a number of people as well as seizure of equipment.