There was nearly a violent clash between Police and the Anti-illegal mining team of Ghana Cocoa Board
( COCOBOD) at Brofoyedru in Ashanti Region Thursday January 11,2023.
Members of the Anti- illegal mining unit of COCOBOD were in the old Atatam and its environs in the Fomena district for engagement with cocoa farmers and miners on the need to protect Cocoa farms from destruction.
Surprisingly, the cocoa farmers and miners disclosed that a team of police officers has been extorting monies from the illegal miners every week , facilitating their illicit activities causing destruction to cocoa farms.
Shortly, about ten police officers from the Obuasi District Command aboard police vehicle with service registration number GP 3401 were spotted returning from the illegal mining sites.
Effort by the COCOBOD officials to stop the police personnel for questioning infuriated them and drove off but were pursued .
Upon reaching a police barrier at Brofoyedru one of the vehicles being used by the COCOBOD officials which was ahead was stopped ,blocking the escaping police vehicle.
The situation escalated when the police threatened to shoot COCOBOD officials if they fail to give way.
Despite attempts by the police to conceal their identity, the COCOBOD Anti Illegal Mining team successfully captured the vehicle details, including registration number GP 3401, and identified two officers involved—P. A. Abdellah and one Amidu.
Prof. Michael Kwateng, head of the COCOBOD Anti Illegal Mining Unit emphasized that there have been many allegations of police complicity in illegal mining, leaving farmers frustrated as their cocoa farms face continuous invasion.
He reiterated COCOBOD’s commitment to curbing illegal mining activities to safeguard farmers and their vital cocoa farms.
He urged the IGP to investigate police officers involved in illegal mining activities for punishment.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
