Illegal Mining Along River Butre: Two Accused Persons Plead Not Guilty

Two individuals, Anthony Twitch and Augustine Auguendoh, have been dragged to court over alleged illegal mining activities along River Butre in the Western Region.

The accused persons, a welder and a small-scale miner, have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and undertaking small-scale mining without a license.

The Charges:

– Conspiracy to commit a crime

– Undertaking small-scale mining without a license.

The State Attorney highlighted that the illegal mining activities had severely polluted River Butre, the sole drinking water source for several communities in the Ahanta West municipality.

The prosecution argued that these activities pose a significant public health and environmental threat.

The accused were arrested on July 13, 2025, at the Ewusiejoe bush, near the riverbank, with a changfan machine and two water pumps. They failed to produce a valid mining license, leading to their arrest and seizure of equipment.

The case has been adjourned to August 14, 2025, after the accused were granted police inquiry bail due to difficulties in determining their bail conditions.