Obuas — The Obuasi Divisional Police Command has arrested over 40 illegal miners, including 38 Chinese nationals, for engaging in illegal mining activities at Akutuase in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region. They were arrested during a special operation embarked upon by the Obuasi police yesterday.

The police also impounded six pick-up vehicles, excavators and other sophisticated weapons.

The Chinese nationals are Jin Yiyi, Wen Fu, Wen Hailu, Taw Hai Feng, Wen Zhou Yong, Chen Zhougzheng, Lu Dong Hu, Men Ming Xi, Lu Han Re, Lui Jian Yong and Li Jian Heng.

Others are Qun Jun Nen, Qun Zheng Jun, Zhoung Fei, Wen Hai Shong, Quin Yi, Quin Shan Wei, Li Quan, Quain Hair, Wein and Wzen Zhi Wei, Wen Hai Siang, Li Ke Min, Li Kao Tiang, Liu Peng Xian, Lu Yu Yuan, Qin Bao Xing and Li Xi Ha.

The rest are Wei Zei Yong, Li Zheng, ShongQuen, Wen Jina Xing, My Wei Xxy, Wen Hai Jiang, Wen Gan Tang and Anmiq Ist.

Briefing the press after the exercise, the Obuasi Divisional Police Commander, ACP Kofi Dwumffour Berchief, explained that his outfit conducted the operation to flush out the illegal miners, after receiving complaints from the management of Anglo Gold Ashnati (AGA) Obuasi mine that the activities of the galamseyers on their concession were affecting their business.

"We decided to embark on this special operation after receiving complaints from AGA that the activities of these illegal miners were affecting them."

He cautioned others to refrain from the illegal activity, since his outfit would continue to pursue them for the safety of the nation.

The Chinese nationals and their Ghanaian counterparts have since been handed over to the Ashanti Regional Police Command.