12 Suspects Remanded Over Illegal Mining, Pollution of River Tano

Twelve individuals have been remanded into custody by the Accra High Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities without the necessary licenses at Aboi-Nkwanta in the Western Region, leading to the pollution of the River Tano.

The accused include a diverse group of individuals: Evans Atanga Agana, a motor mechanic; Stephen Tuffour Bempah, a trader; Samuel Addai, a driver; Joseph Antwi, a motor rider; Elijah Atambilla, a mason; Kennedy Akwasi Awimbora, a student; Waja Matthew, a farmer; Naya Sampana, a butcher; and traders Janet Atanga, Beatrice Amponsah, Aishetu Gariba, and Grace Enyonam Amorkupor.

Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie presided over the case and ordered the suspects to be remanded in custody until May 14, 2025.

Their arrest was conducted by police officers from the National Headquarters in Accra, following directives from the Inspector General of Police to intensify operations against illegal mining. The group was apprehended on April 18, 2025, during a targeted operation along the Tano and Subiri Rivers near Samreboi.

According to the prosecution, officers at the scene noted the presence of discolored, polluted water where the illegal mining activities were reportedly taking place. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to track down additional suspects believed to be involved.