In a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested fifteen individuals engaged in illegal mining activities in a special intelligence-led operation at Watreso and Preacher Krom in the Manso Adubia enclave.
The operation, according to its statement, marks a significant step in the Ghana Police Service’s intensified efforts to root out the destructive practice of “galamsey” that continues to devastate lands and rivers across the country.
“The suspects are Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), Abdul Malik Seidu (22), Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), Kwame Adutwum (24).
Ghana Police Service, Ashanti Regional Command
The police said the suspects were apprehended while actively mining illegally in forest reserves and other restricted areas.
In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and mining equipment believed to be used in facilitating the illegal mining operations.
Among the items retrieved were two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, fifty-nine BB cartridges, and three AA cartridges.
The team also seized two excavator control boards, a water pumping machine, two power generators, a vulcanizing machine, and an Apsonic motorbike.
According to the police, all fifteen suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, while the seized weapons and equipment have been retained as exhibits as the police prepare to press formal charges.
The Ashanti Region has long been identified as one of the most affected areas in Ghana’s ongoing struggle against illegal mining.
Environmental activists and local chiefs have consistently raised alarm over the degradation of forest lands, pollution of water bodies, and increasing security risks posed by the activities of illegal miners.
The latest arrests, authorities said, should send a strong signal to individuals and syndicates that law enforcement is ready to pursue and dismantle illegal operations in the region.
The police also urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely information that can help curb the menace.
Murders Arrest
Meanwhile, in a related but separate development, the Ashanti North Regional Police Command has also arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of Eric Obeng Darko, the former headmaster of Dampong Senior High School.
The suspects—Mubarak Mohammed, aged 38, and Prophetess Elizabeth Darkwah, aged 48—were arrested on 9th and 17th June 2025, respectively, and have since been arraigned before the Kodie and Suame district courts.
According to preliminary police investigations, the deceased had in 2024 been lured by Prophetess Elizabeth Darkwah with claims of helping him discover an ancient family gold treasure, in which she allegedly collected an undisclosed amount of money from him.
“As part of the arrangement, suspect Prophetess Elizabeth Darkwah went to the deceased’s house at Bampenase near Mamponteng at night with suspect Mubarak Mohammed and dug out some 20 pieces of yellowish substances which she claimed to be gold that needed to be purified at her church premises before use or sale”.
Ghana Police Service, Ashaniti Regional Command
However, the statement indicated that Prophetess Darkwah allegedly became evasive and repeatedly avoided the deceased when he sought to follow through with the purification.
Fearing exposure, she is said to have conspired with Mubarak and three other accomplices, who are currently on the run, to abduct and murder the victim. Investigations revealed that Mr. Darko was captured and taken to Aboabugya.
When he attempted to escape, he was fatally knocked down by a Honda Odyssey vehicle driven by Mubarak Mohammed.
The two suspects have been remanded into custody and are expected to reappear in court on July 4, 2025. According to the statement, the police have intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals believed to be involved in the heinous crime.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to cracking down on all forms of lawlessness and is calling on the general public to remain vigilant and cooperative in the interest of public safety and justice.
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