Twelve individuals have appeared before the Accra High Court for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities locaky known as galamsey without a license at Aboi-Nkwanta in the Western Region and polluting the River Tano.

The accused, who have had their pleas taken, include Evans Atanga Agana, a motor mechanic; Stephen Tuffour Bempah, a trader; Samuel Addai, a driver; Joseph Antwi, a motor rider; Elijah Atambilla, a mason; and Kennedy Akwasi Awimbora, a student.

The others are Waja Matthew, a farmer; Naya Sampana, a butcher; Janet Atanga, Beatrice Amponsah, Aishetu Gariba, and Grace Enyomam Amorkupor, all traders.

Presiding judge, Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, remanded the suspects into custody until May 14, 2025.

Their arrest was carried out by police personnel from the National Headquarters in Accra, acting under the directive of the Inspector General of Police to clamp down on illegal mining operations.

The suspects were apprehended during an operation on April 18, 2025, along the Tano and Subiri Rivers near Samreboi.

According to the prosecution, police officers observed brownish, contaminated water in the areas where the suspects were allegedly mining.

Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend additional accomplices.