The arrested Chinese nationals
Fourteen Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining
activities also called ‘galamsey’, in the Western Region, have been
apprehended.
They were arrested in a massive operation conducted by the Western
Regional Operation Base of Operation Vanguard personnel in a forest at Wassa
Dunkwaw near Asankragwa in the region.
Their names were given us Li Yan Yin, 36, Chou Minchong,
42, Chen Yundun, 20, Huang Wenyu, 44, Wan Tunden, 55, Wu Xin Lni, 32 and
Wan Dundon, 47.
The rest were Wan Li Fun, 33, Che Chi Yun, 50, Wan Chin Chou, 36,
Huang Jia Wei, 36, Qin Xixi, 50 and Zhang Jin Fon, 45 years.
According to sources, the Chinese nationals were illegally working
with about 15 excavators.
The Operation Vanguard, team numbering about 30, stormed the
site upon a tip-off to effect the arrest of the Chinese
galamseyers.
The successful operation
led to the arrest of the 14 Chinese nationals.
The team also burnt about 13 changfan machines, retrieved four
foreign pump action guns and 50 boxes of AAA ammunition cartridges.
Some military and paramilitary accoutrements were retrieved
as well.
The suspects were subsequently sent to Accra and to the Inter
Ministerial Committee on illegal mining for further action.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi