Heavily pregnant woman arrested at Akyease over galamsey

A pregnant woman who is almost due for delivery has been apprehended by a galamsey task force at Akyease in the Ashanti Region for allegedly engaging in illegal mining.

According to a report by 3news.com, on June 17, 2025, her arrest followed an incident involving a Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate from Duampompo MA Junior High School, who refused to sit for his examination but instead chose to participate in illegal mining.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akyease, Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, stated that while she, together with a special task force, led an operation at some galamsey sites in the area, the illegal miners fled the scene.

However, the pregnant woman known as Cecilia Owusuaa was unable to escape due to the condition.

When she was subsequently questioned about her involvement in illegal mining, she claimed that all their farmlands had been taken over for mining activities, leaving her with no other option but to engage in the practice.

“The reason why I am involved in illegal mining is because all our farmlands have been overtaken by illegal miners, so we have no other option than to follow them,” Cecilia said.

Meanwhile, she has been granted bail due to her condition.

VKB/VPO

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