A landlord at Osino Zongo in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region has been arrested for allegedly selling his residential property to illegal miners for galamsey activities, a move that has sparked anger and fear among residents.

The suspect, a middle-aged man, was arrested alongside three accomplices on Tuesday, October 7, during a joint operation led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South, Mercy Korang, and operatives from National Security.

Reports indicate the team acted on a tip-off and stormed the compound, where they reportedly found the suspects engaged in underground mining using washing equipment and other tools.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the landlord had sold his four-bedroom house for GH₵800,000 to the illegal miners, who then disguised their operations as well-digging to avoid suspicion.

However, the supposed well was later discovered to be a deep underground pit used for gold extraction.

Residents say several houses in the area have already been damaged or demolished to make way for mining activities, raising concerns that nearby buildings could collapse due to weakened foundations.

Madam Korang described the development as “deeply troubling,” warning that any property owner or resident found aiding galamsey operations would be prosecuted.

“This act of selling homes for illegal mining is destroying our communities from within. We will not allow such recklessness to continue,” she stated.

The suspects are currently in police custody at Osino as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has directed all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to profile miners and their financiers within two weeks, ahead of a planned regional crackdown on illegal mining activities.