A church elder has been arrested in the Ashanti Region for allegedly overseeing illegal mining activities, in a major operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
Elder David Bobie Peter, a leader of a Pentecost Church branch in Konongo, was apprehended during a targeted raid along the Kume River, which flows through the communities of Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma near Juaso in the Asante Akim South District.
According to NAIMOS, the operation began with a surprise swoop on a large illegal mining enclave at Kyekyebiase, where several young men were caught in the act. However, the suspects fled into nearby bush paths upon sighting the task force, abandoning their equipment. Despite a pursuit, their familiarity with the terrain allowed them to escape.
The task force subsequently destroyed eight chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms through controlled burning. Several hose pipes were also set ablaze, while twelve water pumping machines were confiscated.
A further search revealed fresh excavator tracks leading into a cocoa farm, where a Sany excavator had been hidden. Although the machine had already been tampered with, officers rendered it completely inoperable by removing key components.
Suspect Confessed After Initial Denial
Elder Peter was later identified during a routine sweep when he approached the task force, initially claiming he was visiting his farm. But intelligence gathered on-site contradicted his story, leading him to confess that he was a foreman for an illegal mining operation in Morso.
He also disclosed that he had been sent by his employer, identified only as “Mr. Appiah,” to verify reports of the NAIMOS operation.
The suspect then led officers to his mining site, where extensive environmental damage was observed. Sections of the Kume River had been heavily polluted and diverted to support the illegal activity. A second excavator found at the site was also disabled.
Elder Peter has been handed over to the Konongo District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS Vows to Continue Crackdown
In a statement, NAIMOS warned that enforcement efforts would continue regardless of individuals’ social or religious status. The Secretariat also called on local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling illegal mining.
The agency reiterated that combating galamsey requires a unified national response to protect the environment and public health.
