Three arrested in Winneba for illegal mining near GWL water lines
A specialised police operations team has arrested three individuals in Winneba in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region for engaging in illegal mining activities.
The suspects, identified as Eugene Oppong, 28, Paul Kumasah, 30, and Amos Beyuo, 25, were arrested during an early morning raid at an active galamsey site.
The operation was carried out by the Central Regional Police Command following a formal complaint from the Central Regional Directorate of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), which raised concerns that illegal mining activities were encroaching on and damaging its main water distribution lines in the Winneba area.
During the operation, several other illegal miners reportedly fled upon sighting the security team, abandoning their equipment at the site.
Police retrieved a number of items used for the illegal activity, including 19 water pumping machines with hoses, four washing carpets used for gold extraction, seven cutlasses and a wheelbarrow.
According to the police, heavy equipment and other installations that could not be moved were immobilised and set on fire to prevent their reuse for illegal mining activities.
The three arrested suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.