The police have arrested two suspected illegal miners alleged to be part of a larger group of ‘galamsey’ operators at Pakyi No.2 in the Ashanti region.

The police, with the support of the local traditional council, raided the illegal mining enclave to swoop in on the miners.

Two excavators were spotted on six acres of land digging for the mineral ore.

Upon sighting the police, the illegal miners took to their heels, but two of them were arrested.

The Pakyi No. 2 traditional council called in the police to rid the area of illegal miners.

Secretary to the traditional council, Richard Nyantakyi says the illegal miners have destroyed several acres of land.

“We came across three excavators when we got there. They started working not long ago but they have destroyed about 6 acres of land. Our lands are getting destroyed. Our farms are being destroyed by illegal mining activities. We won't survive if they continue to mine,” he said.

The traditional council has instituted surveillance over its lands to ward off illegal miners.

The Nifahene of Pakyi No.2, Nana Kwaku Amoako Kufour II applauded the police for the swift response.

He called for the support of community members in volunteering information to raid illegal mining enclaves.

“The police responded to our call quickly to rid the place of illegal miners. The fight against illegal mining is difficult. We can't fight it alone. We all have to get involved,” he said.