Assemblyman, Three Others Arrested for Alleged Attack on Anti-Galamsey Task Force in Ashanti Region

The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has arrested the Assemblyman for Bonteso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, along with three other suspects, for allegedly leading a violent confrontation against officers during an operation to clamp down on illegal mining.

The suspects have been identified as Patrick Asare, Assemblyman for Bonteso, Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, and Owusu Alexander.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 13, when the task force intercepted an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining during a routine patrol. While preparations were underway to transport the machine, the Assemblyman allegedly mobilised a group of miners to confront the officers.

The group reportedly hurled stones and other objects at the task force, issued threats of bloodshed, and openly dared the officers to move the excavator. Despite the hostility, the officers maintained what police described as “professional conduct” and managed to arrest four individuals, including the Assemblyman.

Two officers—Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao—sustained injuries during the clash.

Police say the miners also blocked all exit routes to trap the task force, and when officers attempted to clear the blockade, they came under live fire from two individuals armed with pump action guns. The task force responded with what authorities termed “appropriate force” to neutralise the threat, disperse the crowd, and secure the excavator.

The seized machine has been transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safe keeping. All four suspects are expected to be transferred to Accra for prosecution.