The Operation Vanguard task force deployed in the Eastern region has arrested 26 illegal miners for defying the ban on illegal mining.

The suspects were arrested by the task-force between 3 and 5 August 2017 during its patrol of some mining sites in the region.

The deputy regional Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Inspector Gideon Boateng told Kasapa News that one of the suspects, Asante Benson, 38, was arrested at Saaman near Osino in the Fanteakwa District.

Also, 19 others were arrested at Nsuapimso while another six were arrested at Ankaase near Anyinam in the Atewa District.

The suspects are between the ages of 18 to 60 years. Most of them were arrested mining in the Birim River.

Items retrieved during the arrest include Chanfai machines, excavators, shovels, pick ax among others.

Asante Benson was remanded by a Koforidua circuit court to reappear on 18th August 2017 as the rest await their fate.

The Eastern regional police command and the task-force have assured they will work tirelessly to end the menace in the region.