In a major operation targeting illegal mining activities, police in the Central Region have arrested 20 suspected galamseyers as part of efforts to clamp down on the environmental and security threats posed by illegal mining.
The arrests were made during a coordinated anti-galamsey exercise led by the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Central Regional Security Council.
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The suspects were apprehended in mining hotspots where unauthorised operations were reportedly destroying farmlands, polluting water bodies, and endangering local communities.
According to authorities, the arrested individuals were caught in the act of engaging in illegal mining using heavy machinery and unapproved methods. Several tools, including four excavators, eight water pumps, and eight dredging machines, popularly known as “changfans,” were seized during the operation.
On May 25, 2025, a task force led by Regional Commander DCOP Abraham Acquaye conducted an intelligence-led operation at Ebenezer, a suburb of Diaso in the Upper Denkyira West District.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals engaged in illegal mining activities.
The suspects have been identified as Kwame Joe, aged 45; Yaw Mireku, 28; Mark Baba, 18; Kofi Donkor, 18; Nana Kwame, 26; Yaw Marfo, 30; Okyere David, 18; and Kwaku Asante, 28.
The team seized two excavators and a cylinder machine, which were transported to the Diaso Police Station. Eight pumping machines were retrieved and moved to the Regional Headquarters in Assin Fosu.
In a separate intelligence-led operation on May 29, 2025, Chief Superintendent David Ashong, the Dunkwa-On-Offin Divisional Commander, ASP Emmanuel Bruce, the FPU Base Commander, and a team of 20 officers arrested two individuals, Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyemang, who were operating excavators along the Offin River.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be processed for court as investigations continue.
As Ghana continues its fight against illegal gold mining, this latest operation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable and legal mining practices in all regions.
