Fifteen people are in police custody following a major crackdown on illegal mining in the Ashanti Region.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command carried out a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom in the Manso Adubia area, arresting the suspects on the spot.
Officers seized weapons and equipment believed to be used in the illegal activity, including two excavator control boards, two pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, a water pumping machine, two power generators, a vulcanising machine, and an Apsonic motorbike.
Police identified the suspects as Tahiru Ibrahim, Shaibu Idrissu, Boateng Emmanuel, Jamon Kwaku Samuel, Yaro Patrick, Kofi Boakye, Gubong Mathew, Fatawu Zackari Seidu, Abdul Malik Seidu, Dauda Tahiru, Sampson Grace, Boolangkpuo Freda, Arima Hagar, Kwarteng Vasco, and Kwame Adutwum — all between the ages of 21 and 45.
Authorities say the suspects are helping with ongoing investigations. The seized items remain in police custody as evidence.
