Fifteen people suspected of engaging in illegal mining, including an alleged ringleader, have been arrested during a joint security operation at a mining site located near the Sanso Methodist School in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.
The operation followed the circulation of a viral social media video that showed illegal mining activities taking place dangerously close to the school, raising public concern over the safety of students and the destruction of the surrounding environment.
In response to the footage, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene directed security agencies to investigate the incident and take swift action against those responsible.
A joint team made up of National Security operatives, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces was subsequently deployed to the area.
Initial investigations indicated that the illegal miners had been working at the site for almost two weeks without being detected. Authorities believe the operation went unnoticed because the school was on vacation, leaving the area with little activity.
All 15 suspects have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations.
Speaking to TV3, Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator Captain (Rtd) John Jabari confirmed the arrests and disclosed that three excavators used in the illegal mining operation had also been confiscated.
He further revealed that the Ashanti Regional Minister has instructed the Regional Reclamation Team to restore the degraded land before students return for the next academic term.
According to Captain Jabari, reclamation work is scheduled to begin on August 3 to eliminate safety risks around the school and ensure that pupils return to a secure learning environment.
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