Ghana Police: 4 Arrested for Abesua Galamsey Bridge Damage

• Four individuals have been arrested and are in police custody following the destruction of an access bridge by illegal mining activities in Ghana.
• The bridge, located in the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District, collapsed due to galamsey operations along the River Kukubu.
• The incident isolated several communities, disrupting education, trade, and access to farmlands.
• President John Mahama and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene intervened, leading to ongoing repairs and the arrests.
• President Mahama stated he monitors public feedback, including social media, to address citizen concerns and improve governance.

Concurrently, four individuals have been apprehended and are currently in police custody in connection with the illegal mining activities that led to the bridge's destruction.

Illegal mining operations, known locally as "galamsey," have led to the collapse of a crucial access bridge in Ghana's Ashanti Region, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. The bridge, which spans the River Kukubu within the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District, completely caved in after illegal miners allegedly excavated and degraded the land along its banks. This destruction caused an overflow of water that submerged parts of the road, severely impeding passage for vehicles and motorcycles.

The incident left residents of Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire, and several adjacent communities virtually cut off. This vital link served as their sole route to the main road connecting to Seribuso and Mankranso, isolating them from essential services, local markets, and their farmlands. Following the initial collapse, some miners reportedly returned to the site later the same evening with heavy machinery, attempting to divert the water flow by pushing sand into the river channel, but made no effort to reconstruct the damaged bridge.

The destruction of the bridge had profound consequences for daily life in the affected areas. Educational activities suffered significantly, with pupils who typically commuted to Atwima Asamang Basic School abandoning their classes, particularly during periods of rainfall, due to their inability to cross the river. Trading operations also faced severe disruptions, as merchants struggled to reach market centers to replenish their stock, and those who managed to travel were confronted with exorbitant transportation costs.

Farmers in the region voiced serious concerns regarding the extensive damage to their agricultural lands and the increasing difficulty of accessing their farms, which were often blocked by ongoing illegal mining activities. Furthermore, some residents reported experiencing intimidation and threats from illegal miners and their bodyguards when they attempted to challenge these destructive operations. There were also accusations from farmers suggesting that certain community leaders were complicit in facilitating the illegal mining.

The dire situation prompted an intervention from high-level government officials, including President John Mahama and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, following an exclusive report by JoyNews. President Mahama acknowledged that the issue had been brought to his attention, highlighting the media coverage as an effective channel for public concerns to reach his administration. He elaborated on his practice of monitoring social media platforms, including TikTok, to identify citizen feedback and ensure it is directed to the appropriate ministers for action, emphasizing that he does not dismiss criticism of his government and views public feedback as crucial for identifying challenges and improving governance.

Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene confirmed that remedial works are actively underway at the site. This includes draining the accumulated water from the road, clearing the previously clogged bridge area, and gravelling the affected section with boulders to restore and improve access for the isolated communities. Concurrently, four individuals have been apprehended and are currently in police custody in connection with the illegal mining activities that led to the bridge's destruction.

This development highlights the significant legal and enforcement risks associated with illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, demonstrating the government's readiness to intervene and prosecute offenders following public reports. Lawyers should advise clients on the severe penalties for environmental degradation and non-compliance with mining regulations, while compliance officers must ensure rigorous due diligence and adherence to all relevant environmental and mining laws to avoid criminal liability and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via JoyNews