File photo of a galamsey site
Police in Akyem Apinamang have arrested two suspected illegal miners who allegedly invaded and destroyed portions of a reclaimed farmland at Aburi Nkwanta, a community near Akyem Dwenase in the Eastern Region.
The arrests, made on November 3, 2025, come amid the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining across the country.
The suspects were picked up after a complaint was lodged by Derick Asante and Okyeame Boadu Tinyase of DSP & Sons Limited, operators of a 50-acre oil palm and cassava plantation.
The company had reclaimed the land previously ravaged by years of illegal mining following a directive from the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to restore degraded areas for agricultural use.
According to police sources, the suspects, identified as Marfo Joe, a former nurse posted to Akyem Dwenase, and Kwabena Duku, a native of the community, had earlier approached the landowners seeking access to the reclaimed site for galamsey operations but were denied.
On November 2, 2025 the suspects allegedly returned with bulldozers and mining equipment, forcibly entering the plantation and destroying parts of the farmland.
A report was immediately filed with the Akwatia District Police Command. Crime Officer Daniel Komla directed Superintendent Sarkodie of the Akyem Apinamang Police Station to arrest the culprits.
The first suspect, Marfo Joe, was detained for questioning, leading to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Kwabena Duku, who is accused of illegally selling the land to facilitate the mining activity.
Both suspects have since been granted police enquiry bail as investigations continue.
Police investigators say the Ministry of Agriculture has been asked to conduct a valuation of the destroyed crops and damaged portions of the farmland.
The assessment will form part of the case docket before the suspects are formally charged and put before court.
The complainants say they have invested hundreds of thousands of Ghana cedis in reclaiming and restoring the land, as well as creating jobs through their agricultural project.
“This is not just about us it’s about protecting the environment and livelihoods,” said Okyeame Boadu Tinyase, who also serves as the chief linguist to the Chief of Akyem Dwenase.
The arrests come as the NDC government ramps up its renewed fight against illegal mining, which continues to destroy farmlands, forests, and rivers nationwide.
Government officials say the approach includes strict law enforcement and support systems to help small-scale miners transition into regulated, environmentally safe operations.
Residents of Akyem Dwenase and surrounding communities have welcomed the swift action by police and are calling for decisive prosecution to deter future offenders.
Residents of Akyem Dwenase and neighboring communities applauded the swift police response and are urging authorities to ensure a decisive prosecution that will send a strong signal to would-be offenders.
“The people are watching. This case must not be brushed aside,” said a local farmer who has witnessed years of environmental degradation in the area. “We want justice not just for the landowners, but for all of us who depend on this land.”
Observers say the outcome of this case will serve as an early test of the NDC government’s resolve to confront illegal mining head-on and enforce accountability at the local level.
As the nation continues its fight to reclaim degraded lands and polluted rivers, the people of Akyem Dwenase and indeed the entire country are watching closely, hopeful that this time, justice and environmental protection will prevail over greed and impunity.
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