A routine anti-galamsey operation in Bonteso, Amansie South District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, erupted into violence on Tuesday, August 13, 2025, resulting in the arrest of four individuals—including the local assemblyman—and injuries to two police officers.
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The raid, aimed at halting illegal mining, took a dangerous turn, demonstrating the ongoing challenges in enforcing environmental and mining regulations in the region.
Raid on Illegal Mining Equipment Turns Hostile
Members of the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force targeted an excavator allegedly being used for illegal mining. As they began to load the machine onto a transport vehicle, a group of miners and local community members, reportedly led by the assemblyman for the area, Patrick Asare, aggressively confronted the officers.
The crowd reportedly threw stones and projectiles to obstruct the seizure, and two individuals were seen brandishing pump-action shotguns, firing at police personnel. This escalation forced the task force to use “appropriate force” to extricate themselves and secure the site.
Police Officers Injured in the Confrontation
During the intense clash, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao sustained injuries—including wounds to the head, mouth, and leg—when they came under direct assault with stones and gunfire.
The injured officers received immediate medical treatment and are currently in stable condition. Both they and other task force members credited swift action for preventing further bloodshed and asserted the importance of protecting law enforcement personnel during such operations.
Arrests Made, Equipment Seized
Police confirm the arrest of four suspects: Patrick Asare (assemblyman for Bonteso), Akwasi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, and Alexander Owusu. A single excavator was seized and taken to the Manso Adubia Police Station. However, attempts to confiscate a second machine were thwarted by the escalating violence, forcing authorities to abandon further intervention.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will likely be transferred to Accra for further investigation and legal action.
Calm Returns After Heightened Tension
Following the altercation, the District Chief Executive, Prince Manu Morris, confirmed that peace has returned to Bonteso. He clarified that some locals were engaged in sand-winning activities, leading to confusion during the intervention.
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Morris reassured residents that no additional military or law enforcement reinforcements are required at this time. Five individuals who sustained minor injuries during the melee are currently receiving treatment at various health centers. None of the injuries are reported to be life-threatening.
Broader Implications for Anti-Galamsey Efforts
This violent encounter highlights the mounting risks confronting anti-galamsey operations, especially in areas where illegal mining supports local livelihoods. Assigning local leaders—including elected officials—a role in facilitating or resisting such operations complicates enforcement efforts and could lead to politicization of environmental law.
Officials have reiterated the need to protect task force personnel with adequate training and clear engagement rules. They also emphasized the importance of community outreach to foster understanding and cooperation against illegal mining.
Legal and Policy Intervention
As the investigation proceeds, authorities will:
- Charge the arrested individuals with resisting arrest, unlawful drilling, and public endangerment, among other offenses.
- Conduct parliamentary and local reviews of the task force’s mandate and operating guidelines.
- Reassess community communication strategies to reduce misinformation and introduce support for alternative livelihoods.
A Turning Point in Ghana’s Fight Against Galamsey
This high-profile clash—from the fatal confrontations to the arrest of a sitting assemblyman—marks a critical juncture in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to curb environmental degradation. It underscores that enforcement is not just a technical matter, but a community challenge that requires political will, institutional coordination, and grassroots engagement.
As Ghana continues its battle against illegal small-scale mining, the Bonteso incident serves as a vivid reminder: sustainable solutions must balance ecological protection with social equity and safety.
