There is simmering tension at Akyem Kwabeng in the Eastern region as residents are agitating over the delay by police to arraign before the court some illegal miners arrested on Monday.
Some Personnel alleged to be National Security Operatives arrested seven (7) illegal miners on the Birim River in anti -galamsey operation conducted in Atewa West District in the Eastern Region.
The operation by the operatives was led by a civilian known as Jagabo, a popular miner in the Sankubenase community on Monday evening.
The suspects were handed over to the Akyem Kwabeng Police but opinion leaders in the community are suspicious about the operation.
According to them, persons who parade as National Security Operatives come to the community to arrest illegal miners and in connivance with the local Police, take monies from the suspects and set them free.
They have therefore informed the District Chief Executive for the area, Isaac Asamoah Akomaning to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other recalcitrant illegal miners still mining on the Birim River.
“The national security operatives and a certain boy in Sankubenase called Jagabo who was a miner led to the arrest of these Chanfai illegal miners and have handed over the suspects to the police. But this is what they have been doing. When they (National Securit) come here to arrest illegal miners, they connive with the Police and take monies from them.” A Community leader told mybrytfmonline.com under the condition of anonymity.
Brother to one of the suspects – Atiga Ebenezer alias Brother had said, the Police were allegedly demanding Ghc25,000 from each suspect for their release but they were struggling to raise the amount.
“They were arrested yesterday around 4:30 pm by people who said they are national security. Now they are in Police Custody. The police say we should bring Ghc25,000 but we have managed to get Ghc4,000. The Police say if we are not able to get the money by close of today to tomorrow 9:00 am they will be sent to court for them to be jailed,” Cossy said.
When contacted on phone, the Kwabeng District Police Commander DSP Harold Opoku Yamoah, angrily refuted the allegations. He said the suspects were in police custody and being prepared to be arraigned before court.
“Are the people outside? Don’t do that. The DCE just called me to ask me about it. You are the one who told him. They can go to hell. If they are wise they should wait till I release them before they come out with all manners of allegations. I wise people can wait for me to release them before they come out with allegation. What is that! People will not assist the police but if we struggle with our limited resources and everything they shouldn’t come and worry us with this nonsense. They should give us clue to arrest these people but they don’t do it. Look here I’m a police officer, if I want money I know how best to get money. Me, I don’t need much money. They can speculate, the people are in Custody”. Angry DSP Opoku Yamoah said.
The suspects were yet to be put before court Wednesday heightening tension in the community.
Attempt to get the District Chief Executive for Atewa West proved futile as several phone calls went unanswered.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
