The Berekum Divisional Police have arrested eight suspects linked to illegal mining operations in the Amomaso Forest, located near the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region.
The operation took place on May 20, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM, following a distress call alerting authorities to illicit mining in the area.
Police patrol teams from Berekum District responded and, upon arrival, discovered that residents had already apprehended the suspects.
Several items confiscated from the group include a pickaxe, four shovels, a water-pumping machine, and a woollen carpet believed to be used for washing gold.
All eight suspects were handed over to the police, detained for further investigation, and the seized items retained as evidence.
The suspects were identified as Atule Nathaniel, 23, Azusiwine Cletus, 22, Ayaama Thomas, 15, Asigiya Joseph, 23, Aboyinga Aselise, 37, Atanbire Reymond, 20, Isaac Ntim, 46, Aguya Isaac, 25.
Authorities are currently preparing the suspects for prosecution. The Bono Regional Police Command has commended the local community for their vigilance and cooperation, urging residents to continue reporting any illegal mining activities in the region.
