The Ghana Police Service has intensified its nationwide clampdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, arresting 49 suspects in coordinated operations across multiple regions of the country.
In a statement issued today, June 1, 2025, on the official Facebook page of the Ghana Police Service,
they announced that the intelligence-led operations were carried out in key galamsey-prone areas including 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 along the Awin River at Pankese and Akyem Akwadum in the Eastern Region.
The operations led to the seizure and disabling of several mining equipment believed to have been used for illegal operations.
In the Western Region, the Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 19 suspects. Over 135 chanfang machines were disabled, and exhibits including 23 water pumping machines, four excavator batteries, and one motorbike were retrieved.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command apprehended nine suspects at Akrokerri.
In the Eastern Region, 11 suspects were arrested at the Awin River in Pankese and at Akyem Akwadum. Recovered equipment included an excavator monitor, two excavator pedals, seven excavator control boards, and a gold detecting device.
In the Central Region, 10 suspects were arrested at Dunkwa-On-Offin and Diaso. Items retrieved included four excavators, eight pumping machines, and one cylinder machine.
All suspects are currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to supporting the national effort to combat illegal mining, which continues to pose a major threat to the country’s environment, water bodies, and public safety.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
