10 Arrested for Illegal Mining Under Power Lines in Jacobu
Ten suspected illegal miners have been arrested by police at Jacobu for engaging in mining activities beneath high-voltage electricity pylons, in what authorities describe as a major threat to power supply in the Obuasi enclave.
The suspects were apprehended on April 29, 2026, during a routine patrol by officers from the Jacobu District Police Command, led by Prince Asante, along the Asikasu-Obuasi Highway.
According to a police situational report, the team found the group actively mining directly under high-tension poles belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The suspects had already excavated deep trenches dangerously close to the structures.
Police warned that the activity exposed both the suspects and nearby residents to the risk of electrocution, while also threatening the stability of the electricity transmission network serving Obuasi and surrounding parts of the Amansie area.
Authorities indicated that any damage to the pylons could have triggered widespread power outages across the enclave.
The suspects, aged between 28 and 58, include Amadu Salifu, Obeng Emmanuel, Isaac Opoku and Madi Akurugu. Others are Munkaila Konlan, Abdul Razak, Alex Owusu, Eric Agyei, Gordon Ampong and Kofi Opoku.
They have since been charged with undertaking mining operations without a license.
Sources at Myjoyonline indicate that the accused persons are expected to make their first court appearance on Thursday, as investigations continue.
