In a major move to curb illegal mining, the Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on galamsey operators through a series of intelligence-led raids across multiple regions.
As a result of these operations, forty-nine (49) suspects have been arrested for engaging in unlawful mining activities at various hotspots in the Western, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern regions.
The police disclosed the arrests in an official statement, detailing the scope and scale of their operations, which targeted notorious illegal mining hubs.
Among the areas raided were Huniso, Wassa-Dadieso, and Wassa-Gyapa in the Western Region; Akrokerri in the Ashanti Region; Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso in the Central Region; and the Awin River at Pankese and Akyem Akwadum in the Eastern Region.
“These coordinated operations resulted in the retrieval of exhibits, including various mining equipment. At Huniso, Wassa-Dadieso, and Wassa-Gyapa, the Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 19 suspects, disabled over 135 chanfan machines, and retrieved exhibits including 23 Water Pumping Machines, 4 Excavator batteries, and a motorbike.”
Ghana Police Service
The clampdown began at Wassa-Dadieso, a known center for illegal mining. From there, the operation expanded to Wassa-Gyapa, where officers continued their pursuit of miners operating outside the law. Despite the difficult, muddy terrain, the police pressed on with determination.
During the raid, more than 135 chanfan machines—used to extract gold from riverbeds—were destroyed and set ablaze on site. In addition, one motorbike was seized, and six individuals were arrested at that location.
At Akrokerri, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command arrested nine suspects, who were allegedly involved in mining activities dangerously close to a local school.
Following an order from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, led a tactical team to the area.
The site was approximately 200 metres from the school premises, raising concerns about the safety and health of students in the vicinity.
Illegal Mining Rings Busted In East, Central
The Eastern Region also came under the spotlight in the anti-illegal mining campaign, as the Eastern South Regional Police Command apprehended eleven suspects along the Awin River at Pankese and in Akyem Akwadum.
Officers also confiscated key equipment, including an excavator monitor, two excavator pedals, seven control boards, and a gold detecting device.
Meanwhile, in the Central Region, operations in the Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso areas produced notable outcomes.
“At Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso, the Central North Regional Police Command arrested 10 suspects and retrieved four (4) excavators, eight (8) pumping machines, and 1 Cylinder machine. All suspects [across the regions] are in Police custody, assisting ongoing investigations.”
Ghana Police Service
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspects will face charges under existing mining or environmental protection laws, but the scope of the operation suggests prosecutors will be seeking firm legal action.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to eliminating illegal mining operations that have devastated local ecosystems, polluted rivers, and endangered communities.
The agency also emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities, traditional authorities, and government stakeholders to sustain gains in this effort.
In recent years, illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—has become a national concern. It has led to widespread environmental degradation, especially in forest reserves and water bodies that are vital to the country’s biodiversity and water supply.
The government has launched several campaigns aimed at restoring these affected areas, but the persistence of illegal mining has often undermined those efforts.
Questions Remain Over Enforcement
Despite the police’s success in rounding up suspects and destroying equipment, some observers remain skeptical about the long-term impact of such operations.
Critics have pointed to past arrests where suspects were later released due to a lack of evidence or political interference.
The public is also watching to see whether law enforcement will pursue the financiers and coordinators behind these mining operations, rather than focusing solely on on-site laborers.
Many of those arrested are believed to be field workers acting under the direction of more powerful backers who rarely face accountability.
As calls grow louder for more stringent enforcement of mining laws, the Police Service insists that these recent arrests are part of a sustained national effort, not a one-off show of force.
For now, residents of the affected communities hope that continued vigilance by authorities will not only disrupt the operations of illegal miners but also pave the way for more responsible and sustainable resource management in Ghana.
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