We heard people saying he is into galamsey, but we have no idea – Tanoso Police Commander on Ankobeahene [Audio]

The Tanoso Police Command in the Ahafo Region has reportedly not received any formal reports or evidence to link Ankobeahene Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, also known as Aseda Ben, to illegal mining activities in the Tanoso area. This clarification emerged after the arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in or cooperation with such activities.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, Tanoso Police Commander ASP Edmond Adjei Kissi said they did not know whether the traditional leader was engaged in galamsey or not, as no report had been submitted to them by the Ankobeahene. The incident that sparked the police operation occurred last Sunday when allegations about the traditional leader’s alleged involvement surfaced.

Despite finding equipment at the illegal mining site, the police were unable to retrieve it, as they were told it had been moved to the palace. Upon their return, they found the site deserted. ASP Kissi explained that proceeding with the arrests posed a risk due to past confrontations with illegal miners, including an earlier operation where the police were disarmed by a group of miners.

Consequently, they opted to take the suspects to court to avoid further confrontation. The police later revealed that the suspects had been processed for court without any further communication from them. ASP Kissi emphasized that the police remained committed to addressing illegal mining activities in the area, stating that they were not ignoring the allegations.

The arrests are said to be connected to illegal mining operations around Adengo/Ponwaakrom and areas where companies have contributed to environmental degradation.