The Assembly Member for the Tarkwa Bremang Electoral Area, Isaac Duku, has been arraigned before the Takoradi Circuit Court for allegedly engaging in illegal small-scale mining activities at Doctaso, near Tarkwa Bremang.
Isaac Duku, 47, has been charged with three counts: conspiracy to commit a crime namely, undertaking small-scale mining without a license, abetment of crime, and illegal mining without a license. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the hearing, counsel for the accused applied for bail, which was granted by the court. The accused was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢400,000 with two sureties, each required to provide landed property as justification.
Presenting the facts of the case, State Attorney Kingsley Nana Agyekum told the court that on July 14 and 16, 2025, complainants and witnesses reported to the Bawdie Police that Isaac Duku and two others, identified as Kojo and Francis had blocked the Tarkwa Bremang–Doctaso road with excavators and were carrying out illegal mining activities on the route.
Police officers dispatched to the scene confirmed the presence of excavators and observed ongoing excavation works, which rendered the road impassable to commuters. The officers also witnessed a heated confrontation between the accused and some community members.
Following the incident, the suspects were invited to the Bawdie Police Station for questioning but failed to honor the invitation despite several reminders. The case was subsequently transferred to the Regional Police Headquarters in Tarkwa.
On July 19, police, acting on intelligence, arrested Isaac Duku at Tarkwa Bremang. Investigations revealed that Kojo and Francis Opoku were employees of Isaac Duku and were carrying out the illegal operations under his sponsorship. The two remain at large.
Mr. Duku has since been charged and brought before the court for trial.
The case has been adjourned to 14th August, 2025.
