Four arrested for leasing land to illegal miners
Unit committee members allegedly collected money from galamsey operators for land near a collapsed bridge.
Four people, including two Unit Committee members, were arrested in Ghana's Ashanti Region for their role in illegal mining that caused the Abesua bridge collapse. The suspects allegedly leased land to galamsey operators along the River Kukubu in the Atwima Mponua District. The bridge's collapse has cut off five communities, including Abesua No.1 and No.2, from main roads.
District Chief Executive Ibrahim Issahak confirmed the arrests, stating preliminary investigations link local leaders to the illegal miners. He said the unit committee members are accused of taking money to lease land near the bridge and river buffer zone. The four are in police custody and will appear in court on November 3, 2026, facing charges for illegal mining and damaging public infrastructure.
The collapse has halted economic activities, preventing farmers from reaching markets and disrupting health services. Schoolchildren struggle to attend Atwima Asamang Basic School, often missing classes due to the swollen river. Emergency repair works, including clearing the culvert and reinforcing the road, are underway while permanent reconstruction plans are considered.
Why it mattersResidents of five communities are cut off from markets, health facilities, and schools due to the collapse of the Abesua bridge, caused by illegal mining activities.