The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested a foreman of an illegal small-scale mining site at Akyem Morso near Juaso in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, identified as Elder David Bobie Peter, is reported to be an Elder of The Church of Pentecost branch at Konongo.
The arrest followed a targeted enforcement operation along the Kume River, spanning the communities of Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma. Upon arrival at Kyekyebiase, the NAIMOS task force encountered several young men actively engaged in illegal mining. The miners fled into nearby bush paths upon sighting the officers, abandoning their equipment.
Although no immediate arrests were made during the initial raid, the task force destroyed eight chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms. Several hose pipes were also burned, while twelve water pumping machines were seized.
A subsequent search led to the discovery of a concealed Sany excavator hidden in a nearby cocoa farm. The machine had already been partially disabled by its operators, but the task force rendered it completely inoperable.
During the operation, a middle-aged man later identified as David Bobie Peter approached the team, claiming he was visiting his farm. However, intelligence gathered at the scene revealed he was a foreman of one of the illegal mining sites.
Upon further interrogation, he admitted his role and disclosed that he had been sent by his employer, known only as Mr. Appiah, to confirm the presence of the NAIMOS team. He also revealed his position as a church elder, a detail that has raised concerns about the moral implications of the case.
The suspect subsequently led officers to his mining site at Morso, where extensive environmental damage was observed. The Kume River was heavily polluted, with parts of its natural flow diverted for mining activities. Another excavator was found at the site and was also disabled by the task force.
Elder David Bobie Peter has since been handed over to the Konongo District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS has reiterated its warning to individuals involved in illegal mining, stressing that enforcement efforts will not be influenced by social status, religious affiliation, or political connections. The agency also called on local authorities and stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining across affected communities.
The Secretariat emphasized that the fight against galamsey requires a united and uncompromising national response to protect the environment and public health.
