Four, including two Unit Committee members arrested for leasing land to galamsey operators at Abesua

Four individuals, comprising two unit committee members, have been arrested in connection with leasing land to illegal mining operators, according to prosecutors. This incident led to the collapse of a bridge over River Kukubu in Abesua community, Atwima Mponua District, Ashanti Region. The bridge, the sole access route linking multiple communities, collapsed after galamsey operators degraded the surrounding land, causing the river to overflow onto the road.

The arrests follow a report by JoyNews highlighting the devastation caused by illegal mining activities. The District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, revealed that the two unit committee members allegedly took money from the miners and leased them land for illegal mining. The illegal miners themselves accused the unit committee members of accepting payments for leasing land.

The DCE stated that the four suspects are currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court on November 3, 2026, to face charges of illegal mining and causing damage to public infrastructure. The bridge collapse has severely impacted the affected communities, disrupting economic activities, health delivery, and school attendance.

The District Assembly is working on emergency repairs, with plans for a permanent reconstruction. Residents have praised the government's swift intervention, but urge the Assembly to construct a new bridge to prevent future occurrences and ensure long-term safety.