The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has announced the arrest of 11 suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities at Fische near Bunsu in the Eastern Region.
The operation, led by the Eastern South Regional Police Command, is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
According to a statement released by the police, the suspects, consisting of nine Ghanaians and two Burkinabes, were apprehended on April 2, 2025, following a tip-off about their illegal activities.
The police swiftly moved in, leading to their arrest and the seizure of an excavator believed to have been used in their operations.
The list of suspects, as provided by the Ghana Police Service, includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, with ages ranging from 20 to 52 years.
“The Eleven suspects are, Kwaku Owusu, 42 years; Philip Tetteh, 52 years; Abdul Raham, 27 years; Philip Duvor, 40 years; Joseph Asare, 32 years; Charles Manu, 35 years; Joseph Araboga, 32 years; Daniel Bangah, 20 years; Amoaho Isaac, 25 years. Ghanaians, Jey Done, 40 years, a Burkinabe, and Adomah Bouba, 25 years, also a Burkinabe.”
The Ghana Police Service (GPS)
Illegal mining has long been a challenge in Ghana, drawing national concern over its impact on the country’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
Despite repeated government crackdowns and the establishment of anti-galamsey task forces, miners continue to exploit mineral-rich areas, often defying the law and endangering communities.
Cracking Down on Galamsey
Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic and social crisis. The damage caused by galamsey is evident in the contamination of rivers, the destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of communities.
The arrest of these suspects underscores the Ghana Police Service’s resolve to tackle the menace head-on.
“We would like to assure the general public, especially the communities within the Eastern South Regional Police Command, that the Ghana Police Service remains resolute in fighting crime and maintaining law and order in the country.”
The Ghana Police Service (GPS)
The illegal mining trade is often fueled by powerful interests, with reports of politicians, chiefs, and business moguls allegedly backing these operations.
While small-scale miners argue that mining is their only means of livelihood, the reality remains that most operate without proper licensing, using dangerous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which poison rivers and render farmlands infertile.
One excavator, which was being used for the illegal mining operation, was recovered and impounded by the police.
The equipment is now in police custody as investigations continue. Excavators have become a symbol of illegal mining operations in Ghana, with authorities struggling to regulate their use.
In recent years, there have been controversial seizures and alleged disappearances of impounded excavators, raising concerns about corruption within anti-galamsey efforts.
The 11 arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are being processed to face justice.
If convicted, they could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, under Ghana’s mining laws. However, the real challenge remains whether such arrests will serve as a deterrent or if the cycle of illegal mining will persist.
Will This Change Anything?
Despite numerous arrests and crackdowns, illegal mining continues to thrive in Ghana.
The lucrative nature of the trade, combined with limited economic opportunities for many, makes it an attractive venture.
Some believe that rather than just arresting miners, the government must implement more sustainable policies, including job creation programs and regulated small-scale mining opportunities.
The involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining has also raised eyebrows. The two Burkinabe suspects add to growing concerns that Ghana’s mineral resources are being plundered not only by locals but also by foreign operators.
The government has in the past deported Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining, but the problem persists.
As the country gears up for economic growth, illegal mining remains a key issue, with political parties being pressured to take decisive action.
While arrests like these send a strong message, many Ghanaians are watching to see if the government has the willpower to finally end the galamsey crisis or if it will remain an endless battle.
READ ALSO: UK Weighs Retaliatory Tariffs on US Imports
