Nine alleged Chinese 'galamsey' operators remanded

Nine alleged Chinese 'galamsey' operators were on Wednesday remanded into Police custody by an Accra Circuit Court.

Charged with undertaking mining activities without permit, the court presided over by Ms. Audrey Kocuvie-Tay did not take their pleas.

The accused persons are to reappear on Friday, July 27.

They are Liang Zhi Yong, Zhang zhen Ying, Wang Shao Kung, Wu Dao Wei and Yuan Yu Bei.

The rest are Zgang Shui Wen, Fu Gao Yang, Wu Ping An and Wang Xiang Jin.

Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abraham Annor told the court that accused persons are workers of Zinjan Mining Company Limited located Manso Nsiana in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

DSP Annor said during the month of June this year, the company led by one Prince Appiah, met Wirempehene, Nana Opiah Mensah II at Manso Mem and proposed to undertake mining activities at Manso Nsiana.

During their meeting, the company was advised to obtain the necessary documentation from the Mineral Commission, Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before commencing operations.

On June 12 this year, the company without obtaining the necessary documentations moved their equipments and vehicles to Manso Nsiana and commenced their operations.

Their activities, DSP Annor said, caused destruction to the town’s farms and water bodies.

However, on July 19th this year, the people of Manso Nsiana, protested against the company’s operation and this led to a clash between the residents of the town and the company.

Prosecution said the accused persons pulled out three licensed pump action shot guns and fired in the air to scare people.

DSP Annor said the Police detachment from Buffalo Unit, Kumasi and Manso-Nkwanta, swiftly intervened and brought the situation under control.

The prosecutor said the accused persons were arrested and the three guns were retrieved for investigations.

According to DSP Annor, investigations are underway to establish whether or not the accused persons have resident and work permits.**