The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested eleven individuals, including four Chinese nationals and seven Ghanaians, for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Bonsa River banks and a site near Wassa Agona.

The operation, conducted on March 31, 2025, at noon, was based on actionable intelligence aimed at curbing illegal mining in the region.

According to the police, five suspects were arrested at the Bonsa River Bank site. Namely: Wei Qinwei, 43 years; Yao Yongji, 40 years; Nsoh Oto alias Agologo, 43 years; Kwadwo George alias Sergio, 20 years; and Emmanuel Van alias Atta/ AT, 20 years.

At the Wassa Agona site, six suspects were taken into custody: Nuang Shichuan, 46 years; Huang Xinbao, 52 years; Douglas Ayambilla, 19 years; Elvis Aborta, 21 years; Michael Tettey Komlorm, 34 years; and Ibrahim Dauda, 23 years.

All suspects reportedly confessed to engaging in illegal mining activities. They are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.

Four excavators used in the illegal operations at Wassa Agona remain unrecovered. The police have initiated efforts to locate and retrieve them as evidence.

The Police noted that the suspects will be arraigned before the court once investigations are completed and all necessary evidence is processed.