The Acting District Officer of Twifo-Atti-Morkwa, Central Region, Minerals commission has expressed grave concerns as Evangelist Kwaku Gyebi was allegedly operating outside the boundaries of his allocated concessions and is mining in areas where he had no mineral rights.
In a surprising turn of events, a Ghanaian based in America and renowned Evangelist, Kwaku Gyebi of the House of Prayer Evangelistic Ministry, finds himself in legal trouble as he was arrested by the Police for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
The incident occurred at Perwudie, near Twifo Praso in the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region.
The arrest came following a formal petition submitted by the Minerals Commission, urging law enforcement to take action against the suspect for his unauthorized mining operations in the area.
According to the petition signed by Mr. Charles Zantione, the Acting District Officer of the Minerals Commission in Assin Fosu, the suspect's actions had raised serious concerns and were a cause for alarm.
Kwaku Gyebi is now being held in Police custody to assist with ongoing investigations into the matter. The petition, which was also addressed to Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, as well as other relevant authorities, emphasized the need for swift action to be taken against the alleged illegal miner.
The Minerals Commission claimed that the suspect had two legitimate concessions at Mintaso, namely GMA Gyebi Mining Enterprise and Eastside Precious Mining Enterprise.
However, the commission expressed grave concerns as Gyebi was allegedly operating outside the boundaries of his allocated concessions, mining in areas where he had no mineral rights.
Moreover, the petition accused the Evangelist of using intimidation and force to lay claim to areas that did not belong to him, driving away prospective concessionaires from their designated sites.
The Commission further highlighted an incident where Gyebi and his armed men resisted the Commission's orders to cease their illegal activities, even forcing the Commission's inspection team out of the site.
One significant concern raised by the Commission was the lack of adherence to environmental regulations in the suspect's mining operations.
It was alleged that the illegal activities posed serious risks to the people in neighboring communities and failed to observe provisions for proper reclamation of the mined-out portions of the site.
The arrest of a religious figure like Kwaku Gyebi has sent shockwaves through the community and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the law and protecting the environment. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to address illegal mining activities firmly and ensure that those found guilty face the appropriate consequences.
The case also highlights the need for increased awareness and education on responsible mining practices to safeguard Ghana's natural resources and promote sustainable development in the region.
Source: Tellusghana || Ewura Ama
