The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, with a series of intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of forty-nine (49) individuals across various regions in the country.
The operations, conducted simultaneously in several illegal mining hotspots, targeted 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; as well as the Awin River at Pankese and Akyem Akwadum in the Eastern Region.
The coordinated enforcement actions also resulted in the retrieval and disabling of significant quantities of mining equipment.
Breakdown of Arrests and Seized Items:
- Western Region (Huniso, Wassa-Dadieso, Wassa-Gyapa):
The Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 19 suspects. The team deactivated over 135 chanfan machines and seized 23 water pumping machines, 4 excavator batteries, and a motorbike.
- Ashanti Region (Akrokerri):
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command arrested 9 suspects engaged in illegal mining activities.
- Eastern Region (Awin River at Pankese, Akyem Akwadum):
The Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested 11 suspects and retrieved one (1) excavator monitor, two (2) excavator pedals, seven (7) excavator control boards, and a gold detecting device.
- Central Region (Dunkwa-On-Offin, Diaso):
The Central North Regional Police Command arrested 10 suspects and seized four (4) excavators, eight (8) water pumping machines, and one (1) cylinder machine.
All suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to supporting national efforts to eradicate illegal mining and its associated environmental degradation. The Service also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal mining activities.
By Peter Quao Adattor
