Police Raid Cape Coast- Effutu; Three Arrested, 19 Pumps Taken.

Three(3)suspected illegal miners have been arrested after a police operation targeting galamsey activities near a major Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) transmission line in Effutu a sub community in Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region.

The Central Regional Police Command carried out an intelligence-led raid following a complaint from GWCL that illegal mining close to its main water transmission line threatened water quality, public health and the integrity of the supply serving Cape Coast and surrounding communities.

Addressing the press, Regional Police Command PRO, Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie said, the police said officers opon officers arrive at the site at about 8:00 a.m. several suspects fled into nearby bushland on sighting the security personnel, abandoning mining equipment then three men namely Eugene Oppong, 28; Paul Kumash, 30; and Amos Beyuo, 25 were apprehended and are assisting with investigations.

Investigators recovered 19 water pumping machines linked to multiple water pits, four washing carpets used in mineral processing, seven cutlasses and a wheelbarrow including some heavy-duty equipment and temporary structures could not be removed because of their location and condition; police said these items were immobilized and destroyed to prevent further use.

Chief Inspector indicated that,the operation is part of a nationwide clampdown by the Ghana Police Service and other state agencies against illegal mining, which authorities say continues to endanger the environment, water bodies and critical infrastructure.

The three suspects remain in custody while efforts continue to identify and arrest those who escaped the scene, and all recovered items have been retained as exhibits.

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