Three friends have been granted bail of GH¢100,000 with two sureties each by the Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, after being accused of engaging in illegal mining activities at Atwima-Tetrem. The accused, Fatawu Seidu, 35, a mechanic; Solomon Osei, 40, a barber; and Simon Awindawu, 19, unemployed, all pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court on May 5 under the presiding judge, Robert Addo.
Police Detective Chief Inspector Ntim Boadu, the prosecutor, informed the court that the complainants in the case were police officers.
He explained that on April 8 at around 9:20 AM, the police received a tip-off that the accused individuals were prospecting for gold on the Asanko Gold Mining Company’s concession in Tetrem-Aboabo. Upon arrival, the police found the accused at an illegal mining pit, but they attempted to conceal their gold detector machine in the pit and fled upon seeing the police. However, the police were able to apprehend them. In their caution statements, Fatawu and Awindawu admitted to the offense, while Osei denied involvement, claiming he had only accompanied his friends to observe their activities.
After further investigation, the accused were charged and brought before the court.
