Koforidua Court denies bail to 11 suspected galamseyers

Koforidua Court denies bail to 11 A Circuit Court in Koforidua has denied a bail application filed by the lawyers of 11 suspects accused of engaging in illegal mining activities at Akyem Fischer, a community near Bunso in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.

The court also remanded the 11 alleged illegal miners into prison custody and ordered them to reappear in two weeks as police continue their investigations.

The suspects, including two Burkinabes and nine Ghanaians, were arrested on April 2, 2025, by the Eastern South Regional Police Command after a complaint was lodged about their alleged involvement in illegal mining.

The operation shocked the suspects and led to the confiscation of an excavator, which was allegedly being used at the site and is expected to be presented as evidence by the prosecution.

During the hearing at the Koforidua Circuit Court “A,” Counsel for the accused persons, Isaac Minta Larbi argued that his clients were operating within the concession of Nawara Mining Company and should not be classified as illegal miners.

He further claimed that, as workers of Nawara Mining Company, the accused had no reason to flee if granted bail.

However, the state prosecution opposed the bail request, citing concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the accused persons’ places of residence.

The prosecution also noted that the involvement of foreign nationals (Burkinabes) among the suspects made it difficult to guarantee their return to court if released.

The judge sided with the prosecution and denied the bail request, ordering the suspects to remain in prison custody for two weeks while investigations continue.

The accused individuals include Kwaku Owusu, 42; Abdul Rahman, 27; Philip Duvor, 40; Joseph Asare, 32; Amoako Isaac, 25; Philip Tettey, 52; Charles Manu, 35; Daniel Banga, 20; and Joel Arabogo, 32—all Ghanaians. The foreign nationals are Jey Dorie, 40, and Adamah Bouba, 25, both Burkinabes.

By: Neil Nii Kanarku