The Ghana Police Service is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) across the country. Several anti-galamsey operations were carried out in key mining hotspots between March and April 2025, resulting in 208 arrests and the seizure of dozens of excavators, weapons, and mining equipment.
In one of the largest single operations, a special police task force launched a targeted raid in Samreboi, along the Tano River, and nearby communities, including Wassa Dunkwa and Tigarikrom in the Western Region. Fifty-eight (58) suspects were arrested, comprising 50 Ghanaians and eight (8) Chinese nationals. Police also retrieved 85 excavators and three (3) bulldozers
Other Regional Operations and Results
Western Command
The Western Regional Police Command has additionally conducted separate operations that resulted in the arrest of nineteen (19) suspects and the seizure of three (3) excavators retrieved and three pump-action guns.
Upper West Command
The Upper West Regional Police Command also conducted several operations that resulted in the arrest of seven (7) Ghanaian suspects. Eleven (11) Changfang machines andthree (3) motorbikes were also seized
Eastern South Command
In the Eastern South Regional Police Command, 24 suspects were arrested, including one Burkinabe national, while five (5) excavators, three (3) single-barrel guns and one (1) pump-action gun were seized.
Western Central Command
The Western Central Regional Police Command also undertook several separate operations that rounded up a total of 85 suspects, including nine (9) Chinese nationals. The teams had again seized eleven (11) excavators.
Eastern North Command
Operations conducted by the Eastern North Regional Police Command apprehended fifteen (15) suspects, including one (1) Chinese national. The teams also retrieved the following equipment: four (4) excavator control boards, nine monitors, and one pistol
Overall Tally (March–April 2025)
Here is the summary of the outcome of the successful police clampdown actions on galamsey within the two months.
Total arrest 208
Total Excavators 99
Changfang Machines 11
Bulldozers 3
Pump-Action Guns 4
Single-Barrel Guns 3
Pistol 1
Other exhibits include: Vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines
All the arrested individuals are currently undergoing the due legal process.
Next Steps and Police Assurance
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the national campaign against illegal mining and safeguarding the country’s natural environment and water bodies.
The Service, therefore, urges the public to continue supporting their effort, especially in this fight, by providing timely and credible information.
By Peter Quao Adattor
