Galamsey operators attack security personnel

Prestea (W/R), Nov. 21, GNA - Constable Michael Ayisi of the Ghana Police stationed at Prestea was at the weekend assaulted by some illegal miners, popularly called 'galamsey operators' at Prestea, resulting in injuries to his head.

The wounded policeman had to be flown to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra on the same day in a comatose state.

Two other security men who also sustained minor injuries were treated and discharged at the Prestea Government Hospital. Thirteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ben Wordui in charge of the Prestea Command told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that between 0500 and 0530 hours, galamsey operators, numbering about 100, had gone to illegally operate at the Prestea mine of the Bogoso Gold Limited (BGL). He said they first attacked the security personnel guarding the area, including Constable Ayisi.

DSP Wordui said in the course of the attack, the attackers snatched Constable Ayisi's AK 47 assault riffle from him but it was later retrieved. 21 Nov. 05