Kumasi: The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has reportedly identified the man alleged to be behind illegal mining activities at Lake Bosomtwe Beposo. According to the minister, the suspect is Richard Antwi, a native of the area.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Amoakohene mentioned on his Facebook page on June 27, 2026, that Antwi claims to have lawfully acquired the farmland from its owner before engaging in the mining activity. "The individual alleged to have carried out the mining activity has been identified as Richard Antwi, a native of the area. He claims to have lawfully acquired the farmland from the landowner," he wrote.
The minister disclosed that the mining operation has since been stopped while investigations continue to establish whether the suspect acted within the law. He added that authorities are verifying the suspect's claims with the traditional authorities and checking whether he obtained the required licenses and permits. "He is stopped, and investigations are currently underway to verify this claim with the traditional authorities and to ascertain whether he obtained the requisite licences and permits as claimed," he disclosed.
This follows an earlier report by a Ghanaian citizen who alerted the minister to ongoing illegal mining activities at Lake Bosomtwe. Photos accompanying the report, believed to have been taken by a drone, showed parts of the forest cleared, with large pits filled with muddy water and sections of the area left bare.