The Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, who was arrested by the Ahafo Regional Police Command for allegedly operating a task force that clamped down on illegal mining activities, has been granted bail pending further investigations.
Nana Amoako Atta, who is in his 60s, was arrested for allegedly organising and mobilising a group of men to operate as a palace task force to seize equipment from persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Ahafo Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Inspector Nana Kwadwo Boakye, told the Daily Graphic that Nana Amoako Atta had admitted during interrogation that members of the group had been seizing equipment and keeping the items at the palace instead of handing them over to the police.
He said the police, together with a Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) officer, subsequently went to the palace to inspect the seized items and found some pumping machines and other equipment allegedly taken from persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining.
Chief Inspector Nana Boakye said the police action followed information that the chief had organised some persons who purportedly presented themselves as a task force for the palace.
He explained that the group had allegedly been going around galamsey sites, seizing equipment and subsequently taking the items to the palace for safekeeping instead of handing them over to the police for investigations.
The regional police PRO said Nana Amoako Atta was arrested after he admitted to the practice in a statement taken in the presence of his lawyer.
The PRO, however, said that the chief was not arrested for personally engaging in illegal mining, but over the alleged organisation and activities of the task force, as well as the manner in which the seized equipment was handled.
Allegations under investigation
He said the allegations under investigation included impersonation of a public officer, unlawful assembly, promoting vigilantism and obstruction of police officers.
Chief Inspector Nana Boakye explained that although the law permits a private individual to effect a citizen’s arrest in certain circumstances, the person was required to hand the suspect over to the police for the appropriate legal process.
He said Nana Amoako Atta allegedly failed to follow that procedure by keeping the seized equipment at the palace instead of involving the police.
Demand for money from miners
The PRO said the police had not officially received any complaint concerning allegations that the chief demanded money from suspected illegal miners in exchange for the return of their equipment.
Chief Inspector Nana Boakye said such allegations were, therefore, yet to be established by the police.
He said the police were, however, investigating the chief’s alleged involvement in organising the group and the seizure and retention of equipment without involving the police.
He cautioned individuals and groups against taking the law into their own hands in the fight against illegal mining.
Chief Inspector Nana Boakye said suspected offenders and any equipment seized from them should be handed over to the police to enable the law enforcement agency to conduct proper investigations and take the appropriate legal action.
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