Operation Vanguard arrests 39 illegal miners in Atiwa West District

Operation Vanguard personnel from their Forward Operating Base in the Eastern Region have arrested 39 suspected illegal miners.

The suspects were apprehended in the Atiwa West District.

A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by Captain Andy Sowatey, PRO OP VANGUARD, said the arrests, which were made in two separate locations within the general area of Sankubenase, was based on a tip-off from an informant.

The statement said the suspected illegal miners were made up of 33 Ghanaians and six Nigeriens.

"The suspected illegal miners, 33 Ghanaians were currently in the custody of the Anyinam, Osino and Kwabeng District Police pending processing with the six Nigeriens in the custody of Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.

"3 Minelab gold detecting machines were also seized from the miners.

"Operation Vanguard is still admonishing the general public to be forthcoming with any information that can assist the taskforce in curtailing activities of illegal miners", the statement said.