In a breakthrough, four individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in the Abesua Electoral Area of the Atwima Mponua District in Ghana's Ashanti Region. The arrests were made following a comprehensive report by the Ghanakoma Morning Show on Akoma 87.9 FM, which highlighted the destruction of the only access bridge linking several communities in the area. The bridge, which served as a vital link to essential services, markets, and farmlands, had been severely damaged due to galamsey activities.
The Ghanakoma Morning Show team's report had a significant impact, prompting the intervention of the Atwima Mponua District Assembly. The Assembly took swift action, and remedial works on the damaged road have commenced. The water that had overflowed onto the stretch has been drained, and the clogged bridge has been cleared. Furthermore, the affected section is being gravelled with boulders to improve access. The four suspects, comprising two galamsey operators and two Unit Committee members in Abesua, are currently in police custody.
The District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, has commended the Ghanakoma Morning Show team for their good work. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the affected communities, acknowledging the significant role the report played in bringing the issue to the attention of the authorities. The DCE emphasized the Assembly's commitment to working with the media to bring development to the communities.
The bridge, which spans River Kukubu, had completely caved in due to the excavation and degradation of land along the riverbanks by illegal miners. The resulting overflow had submerged sections of the road, making it challenging for vehicles and motorcycles to access the communities. This had severe consequences, particularly for pupils who commute daily to Atwima Asamang Basic School, with many abandoning classes during periods of rainfall.
Community members have expressed their appreciation to the Ghanakoma Morning Show team for their efforts in exposing the issue. The report had highlighted the plight of residents in Abesua No. 1, Abesua No. 2, Nyamebekyere, Abrokyire, and adjoining communities, who had been left virtually isolated due to the collapse of the bridge. The communities rely on the bridge as their only access route to the main road at Serebuoso and Mankranso.
The Ghanakoma Morning Show team's visit to the area on October 26, 2026, revealed the extent of the damage. Residents disclosed that some miners had returned to the site on October 25, 2026, with heavy machinery, attempting to redirect the water by pushing sand into the river channel without reconstructing the collapsed bridge. The situation had become critical, with education and economic activities severely impacted.
The Atwima Mponua District Assembly's swift action has brought relief to the affected communities. With the remedial works underway and the four suspects in police custody, residents can now access essential services, markets, and farmlands. The incident highlights the need for continued collaboration between the media, authorities, and communities to address the issue of illegal mining and its devastating impact on local communities.
Key points
- Four people arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in Abesua.
- Remedial works on the damaged bridge have commenced.
- The Ghanakoma Morning Show report prompted the intervention of the Atwima Mponua District Assembly.
