Four individuals, including two unit committee members, have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in the Abesua community of the Atwima Mponua District in Ghana's Ashanti Region. The arrests were made following public outcry and an exclusive report by JoyNews, which highlighted the devastation caused by the illegal mining. The bridge over River Kukubu, which is the only access route to several communities, collapsed due to the excavation and degradation of lands around it by galamsey operators.
The District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, confirmed the arrests and disclosed that preliminary investigations have established a direct link between some local leaders and the illegal miners. According to Mr. Issahak, the two unit committee members allegedly collected money from the miners and leased out parcels of land around the bridge and along the river buffer zone for illegal mining. The four suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, and will be arraigned before court by Monday, November 3, 2026.
The collapse of the bridge has had severe consequences for the affected communities, with economic activities coming to a standstill. Farmers are unable to transport their produce to market centers, and health delivery has been affected, with patients struggling to access the nearest health facilities. The situation is most dire for schoolchildren, who often have to abandon school during rainfall as they are unable to cross the swollen river. The community is urging the District Assembly to take concrete steps to fulfill its promise of constructing a new, permanent bridge over River Kukubu.
In response to the crisis, the DCE, together with the District Engineer and a technical team from the Assembly, has visited the site to assess the damage and commence emergency repair works. As an interim measure, runoff water has been drained from the affected stretch, the clogged bridge culvert has been cleared, and reinforcement works using boulders, chippings, and gravel are ongoing to make the road motorable. The Assembly has assured residents that it is committed to fully restoring the road and will ensure that all persons found culpable in the illegal mining activities face the full rigors of the law.
The District Chief Executive has warned other unit committee members and opinion leaders in the district against engaging in similar acts, stressing that the Assembly will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who facilitates illegal mining in water bodies and along road reserves. The community has applauded the government for its swift intervention to restore access, but residents say the current intervention is only a temporary measure and are urging the District Assembly to take concrete steps to fulfill its promise of constructing a new, permanent bridge.
The illegal mining activities have not only caused physical damage but also have significant economic and social implications for the community. The collapse of the bridge has disrupted the livelihoods of residents, and the community is counting on the government to take decisive action to prevent future occurrences. The Assembly's commitment to restoring the road and holding those responsible accountable is seen as a positive step towards addressing the issue.
The community is hopeful that the government's efforts will yield positive results and that the bridge will be reconstructed to ensure the long-term safety of commuters. The four suspects arrested will face charges relating to illegal mining and causing damage to public infrastructure. The government has assured residents that it will not shield anyone found culpable in the illegal mining activities and will ensure that they face the full rigors of the law.
Key points
- Four persons, including two unit committee members, arrested for leasing land to illegal miners in Abesua, Ghana.
- The bridge over River Kukubu collapsed due to excavation and degradation of lands around it by galamsey operators.
- The District Assembly has commenced emergency repair works and has assured residents that it will ensure those responsible face the law.
