A routine anti-illegal mining patrol turned violent on Wednesday August 13, 2025, when members of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force clashed with armed locals at Bonteso, leading to the arrest of an assemblyman and three others.

The incident occurred at about 11:30 AM when the taskforce spotted an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining within a pit, causing severe environmental destruction.

As the team moved to seize the machine, the assemblyman for the area, identified as Patrick Asare, allegedly mobilised a group of illegal miners to resist the operation.

Witnesses and police reports indicate the miners pelted stones and other objects at the officers, openly threatening bloodshed and daring the team to remove the excavator.

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Two individuals were seen firing pump-action guns at the officers, injuring ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt Agblekpe Mawuena Yao in the head, mouth and leg.

The miners also blocked all exit routes to trap the officers on site.

“This incident demonstrates the high level of hostility, organisation, and armed resistance from illegal miners, future operations will require reinforced security and readiness for armed confrontation," a police statement said.

The taskforce responded with what police described as “appropriate force” to neutralise the threat, eventually dispersing the hostile crowd and regaining control of the area.

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Four suspects, Assemblyman Patrick Asare, Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco and Owusu Alexander were arrested during the operation.

The seized excavator was transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safe custody, while a second excavator was left at the site due to the security threat.

AM/AE

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