The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, in a joint operation with the Western Central Regional Police Command and Blue Water Guards, has led a decisive raid on an illegal mining operation at Essamang community in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.
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The operation, which took place on Monday, June 16, 2025, led to the arrest of six individuals engaged in illegal mining activities. All suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with investigations.
Authorities recovered three pump-action shotguns, a pickup truck (Registration No. GE-2527-23), and six industrial water pumping machines alleged to belong to Castlepeak Mining Limited.
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According to Mr. Bernard Boateng, a representative of Castlepeak Mining, operates under a legal mining license covering communities including Dompim, Simpa, Kadadwen, Mile 8, Assougye, and Nsuaem. However, some small-scale miners allege that the company frequently disrupts their operations using armed personnel, demanding money, and seizing equipment.
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Hon. Cobbinah reiterated the government’s support for legal mining, emphasizing, “We are not against mining. We support it, when it’s legal, responsible, and benefits our communities.”
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DCOP Desmond Owusu Boampong, in a statement, strongly warned against illegal mining, as Offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the full force of the law.