A routine anti-illegal mining operation turned violent on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, when the Inspector General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force clashed with armed locals at Bonteso in the Ashanti Region, leading to the arrest of an assemblyman and three others.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. after the task force spotted an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining within a pit, causing extensive environmental damage.
According to police reports, the assemblyman for the area, Patrick Asare, allegedly mobilised a group of illegal miners to resist the seizure of the machine. The miners reportedly pelted the officers with stones and other objects, issued threats of bloodshed, and dared the team to remove the excavator.
Two individuals were seen firing pump-action shotguns at the officers, injuring ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt Agblekpe Mawuena Yao in the head, mouth, and leg. The miners also blocked all exit routes in an attempt to trap the officers at the site.
“This incident demonstrates the high level of hostility, organisation, and armed resistance from illegal miners. Future operations will require reinforced security and readiness for armed confrontation,” the police said in a statement.
The task force responded with what the police described as “appropriate force,” dispersing the armed crowd and regaining control of the area. Four suspects — Assemblyman Patrick Asare, Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, and Owusu Alexander — were arrested.
The excavator was transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for safe custody. A second machine was left at the site due to the security threat.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.
