The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested a Church of Pentecost Elder at an illegal mining site in Akyem Morso, near Juaso in the Asante Akim South District.
The suspect, David Bobie Peter, was picked up during a targeted operation along the Kume River covering Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma.
Task force members raided a galamsey site at Kyekyebiase, prompting miners to flee and abandon equipment. Although no arrests were made at that stage, the team destroyed eight chanfang machines, four wooden washing platforms, and several hoses, and seized 12 water pumps.
A hidden excavator was later found in a nearby cocoa farm and disabled. During the sweep, the suspect approached the team claiming he was visiting his farm. Intelligence later identified him as a site foreman.
He admitted working for a supervisor known as “Appiah” and said he had been sent to check on the task force. He also led officers to another site at Morso, where extensive environmental damage and a polluted Kume River were observed. A second excavator was found and disabled.
The suspect has been handed over to the Konongo District Police for investigation and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS has warned that enforcement will continue against all illegal miners, regardless of status, and urged authorities and communities to support efforts to combat environmental destruction.
