A landlord in Osino Zongo, located in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region, has been arrested for allegedly selling his residential property to illegal miners for galamsey operations — a move that has sparked anger and fear among local residents.
The suspect, described as a middle-aged man, was arrested along with three accomplices on Tuesday, October 7, during a joint operation led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South, Mercy Korang, and operatives from National Security.
According to reports, the team acted on a tip-off and raided the property, where they discovered the suspects allegedly engaged in underground mining using washing equipment and other tools.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the landlord had sold his four-bedroom house for GH₵800,000 to the miners, who disguised their operations as well-digging to evade suspicion. The supposed well was later found to be a deep underground shaft used for gold extraction.
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Residents expressed alarm over the situation, saying several houses in the area have already been damaged or demolished to make way for illegal mining, raising fears that nearby buildings could collapse due to weakened foundations.
Describing the development as “deeply troubling,” Madam Korang condemned the sale of residential properties for galamsey operations, warning that any individual found aiding such activities would face prosecution.
“This act of selling homes for illegal mining is destroying our communities from within. We will not allow such recklessness to continue,” she stated.
The suspects are currently in police custody at Osino as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has directed all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to profile miners and their financiers within two weeks as part of a broader regional crackdown on illegal mining.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem