The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed a series of high-impact operations targeting illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey—in the Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions.
The nationwide crackdown, which began earlier this week, led to the arrest of 38 suspects from various hotspot towns notorious for destructive mining practices, including operations within residential settlements and near major highways.
One of the major operations occurred at Huniso in the Western Region, where 13 individuals were apprehended. They were subsequently remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court and are scheduled to reappear on June 6, 2025.
In the Ashanti Region, a team led by Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, raided an illegal mining site situated just 200 metres from Asare Bediako Senior High School in Akrokerri near Obuasi. The operation, carried out under the IGP’s directive, resulted in the arrest of nine suspects using explosives that caused damage to school property.
Another raid was conducted on May 29 at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region. Divisional Commander Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce led 20 officers to the River Offin bank, where they arrested two illegal miners, Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyeman. The two were operating excavators and are now in police custody pending further investigation.
A separate operation was carried out at Wassa Dadieso, a town known for deep mining pits dug dangerously close to homes and roads. Under the command of Chief Superintendent William Jabialu of the Wassa Akropong Police District, a force of 82 personnel stormed the area and arrested several illegal miners.
The police then extended their operation to nearby Wassa Gyapa, another galamsey hotspot. There, over 135 chanfan machines were destroyed and set ablaze, one motorbike was impounded, and six more suspects were arrested despite the difficult and muddy terrain.
All suspects across the various operations are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. They are expected to be formally charged in the coming days.
The police have indicated that further operations are planned as part of sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and its environmental impacts.
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