A Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force that embarked on an operation to halt illegal mining at Bonteso in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region has been attacked by some illegal miners in the community.
This led to the exchange of gun firing between the task force and the community members.
During the confrontation, two of the task force members, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao, sustained injuries in the head, mouth, and leg.
Four suspects were arrested. They were Akwesi Amponsah, Vasco Osei, Patrick Asare, who is the Assembly member of the electoral area, and Alexander Owusu.
Leaders of the Manso Adubia Special Anti-Galamsey Operations Team, DSP Karim Mahama and ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, said “at approximately about 11:30am on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, while on routine patrol at Bonteso, the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force observed an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining within a pit, causing severe environmental destruction.”
“The team moved in to seize the excavator and while loading the machine, a group of illegal miners quickly mobilized led by the assemblyman of the area who was visibly seen inciting the illegal miners to attack the police. They started pelting stones and other offensive objects at the team, openly daring the police not to move the excavator and threatening bloodshed.”
They explained that “two individuals were seen firing pump action guns, which threatened the safety of the men.”
“The miners blocked all exit routes to prevent the team from leaving the area. In an attempt to clear the blockade, the team came under live fire from the crowd and responded with appropriate force to neutralize the threat,” they added.
The task force leaders said “in exiting the scene, the team succeeded in making some target arrests.
They said “one excavator interdicted and secured, one was left at the site due to the imminent threat.”
No other police casualties were recorded. The hostile crowd was dispersed and situation under control.
This incident demonstrates the high level of hostility, organization, and armed resistance from illegal miners. Future operations in the area will require reinforced security presence, tactical planning, and readiness for armed confrontation.
Meanwhile, all four suspects are being prepared to be transported to Accra for further action.
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