The Special Anti-Galamsey Operations Team in June conducted an intelligence-led special operation targeting illegal mining activities in Apremadi, a community at Amansie South in the Ashanti Region.

Eight persons were arrested while actively engaging in illegal mining activities.

The suspects have been identified as Karim Issaka (38), Samuel Dugah (35), Seidu Karim (35), Issaka Azitarigah (24), Boadu Desmond, (29), James Kabutey (21), Bashiru Idrissu (19) and Collins Amoako (24).

Three excavator monitors, four excavator control boards, and three (3) excavator gear levers were retrieved, and efforts are underway to convey the excavators from the mining site.

All eight suspects are currently in police custody assisting with the investigation, while the seized exhibit has been retained.

The four Chinese nationals who were arrested last week for engaging in illegal mining in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region have been arraigned at the Bekwai Circuit Court.

The accused persons, Li Quan (44), Lu Jianzheng (36), Li Xuyu (47), and Su Shanxing (63), have been remanded into police custody.

The suspects are to reappear before the court on Tuesday, July 15.

The collaborative intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command targeted illegal mining sites along the Subin River and Jimi River, both of which serve as crucial sources of drinking water for adjoining communities.

During the operation, seven excavators were seized from the illegal mining site and transported to secure police custody. Four pump-action guns were also retrieved from the suspects.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tong Defa, has absolved Chinese citizens residing in Ghana from blame over the degradation of the environment by activities of illegal miners (galamseyers) in the country.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, June 19, he held Ghanaians, particularly rural dwellers, responsible for the destruction of properties and loss of lives due to the menace.

He indicated that a significant number of Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining were migrant workers invited by Ghanaians seeking to profit quickly from the mining industry.