The Akyem Kotoku Environmental Task Force apprehended 20 suspected illegal miners, including two Chinese nationals, on Sunday, October 13, at New Abirem in the Eastern Region.

The suspects were caught actively engaging in illegal mining activities near the Roman Missionary House in the Birim North District.

During the operation, the task force seized three excavators, various mining equipment, and two pumping machines.

All 20 suspects are currently in police custody, awaiting court arraignment.

The arrests followed tensions in the area, where local youth had confronted the District Chief Executive (DCE) and police on Saturday, resisting the transportation of excavators into the community.

According to reports, the same machines that the youth had tried to block were later found behind the Roman Missionary House being used for galamsey activities.

The Birem North DCE, Hon. Raymond Nana Damptey, has been accused multiple times by local youth and chiefs of involvement in illegal mining, claims he has consistently denied.

However, in a viral video captured during the task force’s operation, the DCE and Nana Aduasenehene were seen attempting to use their influence to counter the youth’s resistance.

Eric Gyataba, head of the task force, confirmed the arrests and expressed frustration over the interference by local authorities in their efforts to combat illegal mining.