Galamsey operators fined

The Half-Assini Magistrate Court has imposed a total fine of 1,200 Ghana Cedis on two galamsey operators at Ellenda in the Jomoro District, for indulging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Alex Agbogah, 32, and Enu-kyie Acolatse, 31, who pleaded guilty with explanation on both counts of conspiracy and preparation to commit crime, will go to prison for six months in default.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Emmanuel Osei Kumi, told the court presided over by Mr. Abdul Majid Illiasu, that the complainants are the elders of Ellenda near Tikobo Number One, while the accused persons are gold buyer and heavy-duty welder respectively.

The prosecution said, at about 0800 hours on February 12, the chief of Ellenda had information that some people were mining in the Tano River at Ellenda Wharf.

The prosecution said the chief dispatched some elders of the town led by the Tufuhene, Mr. Nwea-Kyie Blay, to observe what was going on there.

The prosecutor said on their arrival, the elders found four water pumping machines at the bank of River Tano.

He said 20 young men emerged from nowhere, attacked and drove them away.

The prosecution said on February 21, naval officers from Jaway-Wharf detachment near Half-Assini, during their normal patrols, came across the machines.

He said the suspects abandoned the machines and took to their heels when they saw the Naval personnel.

Chief Inspector Kumi said the Naval Personnel took the machines to their Base at Jewi Wharf Border, and three days later the accused persons went to the Naval Base and claimed ownership of the items.

They were apprehended and handed over to the Half-Assini Police.