A joint anti-galamsey operation by the Mankranso District Police Command and the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly on Monday, has resulted in the seizure of weapons and heavy machinery from illegal mining sites in Mpasaaso and Achiase, located in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region.

According to the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, the targeted operation was organized to suppress unauthorized mining activities that have been causing environmental degradation and threatening water sources in the district.

Upon arrival, the joint team met resistance only in the form of evasion, as several miners abandoned their operations and fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind significant quantities of equipment.

A thorough search and inspection of the areas led to the seizure of five excavators, a CAL 9mm pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition, four pump-action guns, twelve live BB cartridges, and five live AA cartridges.

The heavy-duty machines have since been impounded and are under secure custody at the premises of the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, while the firearms and ammunition are being held at the Mankranso District Police Command as part of an ongoing investigation.

“The Regional Police Command wishes to commend all officers and stakeholders involved in this successful operation,” stated the Ashanti Regional Public Affairs Unit in an official release signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo.

The Command further urged members of the public to volunteer credible information to aid in the identification, arrest, and prosecution of individuals perpetuating illegal mining in the region.

The operation comes amid rising national concern about the resurgence of illegal small-scale mining, widely known as galamsey, and its devastating impact on Ghana’s natural resources.

Communities in districts like Ahafo Ano South West continue to report pollution of rivers and destruction of arable land, with authorities under pressure to clamp down on the actors behind such activities.

The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, a key collaborator in the raid, has reiterated its commitment to protecting the district from environmental exploitation.

Officials have emphasized that the seized equipment will not be returned and that continuous “monitoring exercises,” will be conducted to ensure that illegal operators do not regroup or resume operations in new locations.

The Assembly said in the release that its involvement reflects a strategic local-government approach that combines administrative enforcement with support for police interventions. It also acknowledged that the fight against galamsey must be a multi-agency, multi-level effort supported by local vigilance.

While the raid did not result in any arrests, the display of arms and the scale of equipment found at the sites suggest the level of sophistication and preparation of the operators involved. Authorities believe that the escape of suspects was due to early detection of the approaching team, a challenge often encountered during field interventions.

The Ashanti Regional Police have pledged to intensify surveillance in the region, especially in areas where illegal mining has proven persistent. Police said the incident at Mpasaaso and Achiase reinforces the need for community-based policing models, where residents actively collaborate with law enforcement to protect their environment.

The Government has on multiple occasions stated that it would offer full support to regional efforts to combat galamsey. These include the deployment of logistics, prosecution support, and the protection of local officers carrying out anti-mining operations.

The joint operation underscores a growing sense of urgency among both district authorities and the police service to dismantle entrenched illegal mining networks and reclaim lands for environmental recovery and sustainable use.

The Ashanti Regional Police have assured the public that further updates will be provided as investigations into the ownership of the weapons and excavators progress. They encouraged citizens to maintain vigilance and cooperate with security personnel in safeguarding their communities from the long-term effects of unregulated mining.