The Koforidua Circuit Court B has ordered the detention of three individuals accused of engaging in illegal mining operations, also known as galamsey, in the Birim River located between Akwabuoso and Akrofufu in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
Gideon Gabor, aged 32, Agyemang Meshach, aged 24, and Boampong Livingston, aged 43, were charged on October 16 with conspiracy to commit a crime and mining without a license.
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners task force apprehended the trio during a targeted operation aimed at eliminating illegal mining in water bodies.
However, the suspects contested the charges in court, claiming they were returning from an errand when arrested and requested bail.
Presiding Judge Matilda Ribeiro did not take their pleas and directed the prosecution to complete their investigations before the next court session scheduled for November 4, 2024.
