The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested David Bobie Peter, a foreman and elder of The Church of Pentecost in Konongo, following a targeted enforcement operation along the Kume River.
The raid, spanning Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma in the Asante Akim South District, initially saw numerous illegal miners flee into the bush.
Despite the escapes, the task force dismantled eight Chanfang machines, four gold-washing platforms, and several hoses through controlled burning, while seizing 12 water pumping machines.
During a sweep of the area, the team discovered a Sany excavator concealed within a cocoa farm.
Although its control boards had been removed, the NAIMOS operator rendered the machine inoperable. Peter was apprehended after approaching the task force under the guise of a local farmer; however, intelligence exposed him as a site foreman.
He eventually confessed to his role, admitting his employer, a Mr Appiah, had sent him to monitor the task force’s movements.
Peter subsequently led officials to his mining site at Morso, revealing extensive environmental devastation and a heavily polluted Kume River.
A second excavator found at the scene was also immobilised. The suspect is now in the custody of the Konongo District Police for prosecution.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana