In a significant move signaling the judiciary’s growing involvement in the fight against illegal mining, the Koforidua Circuit Court B has granted bail to 14 individuals arrested for suspected galamsey (illegal mining) activities at Akyem Muoso in the Eastern Region.
Each of the accused persons was admitted to bail in the sum of GH₵350,000, with two sureties, one of which must be justified with movable property—a clear indication of the court’s seriousness in ensuring accountability and deterring flight risk.
The suspects, who have pleaded not guilty, were apprehended by the Eastern South Regional Police Command on May 15, 2025, during a targeted operation aimed at curbing the surge of illegal mining in the region.
Prosecutors revealed in court that during the arrest, law enforcement officials recovered a pump action gun from one of the accused, Zuberu Nuhoho, who was unable to provide any legal documentation for the firearm. Additionally, two excavator control boards were seized from the mining site—evidence believed to tie the suspects to active mining operations.
The arrests and ensuing court proceedings highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies and the judiciary to confront the illegal mining crisis, which has been blamed for extensive environmental degradation and water pollution across Ghana.
While the bail conditions remain stringent, public interest in the case is high, with many viewing it as a litmus test for how effectively the legal system can support the broader national crackdown on illegal mining.
