The Mankranso District Police Command in the Ashanti Region has arrested two suspected illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, following an operation along the busy Kumasi–Sunyani highway. Police say several other suspects involved in the activity are currently on the run.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Sarfo Marfo, 58, and Stephen Manu, 19. During the operation, officers also retrieved three pumping machines believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities.
According to the police, the suspects were part of a group of daring miners who were openly mining for gold right on the shoulder of the Kumasi–Sunyani highway, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians.
The illegal activity reportedly caught the attention of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who promptly directed the police to move in and arrest those involved.
Acting on the directive, the Mankranso District Police Command, accompanied by personnel and the District Chief Executive for Ahafo-Ano South East, Hon. Yamba Ibrahim Issaka Nelson, carried out the operation on December 29, 2025, at Dwenewoho, a community located along the Kumasi–Sunyani road.
A police report stated that upon seeing the security personnel, most of the illegal miners fled the scene. However, officers managed to arrest the two suspects and confiscate the pumping machines from the site.
“The illegal miners, on seeing the police, took to their heels, but the team managed to arrest two suspects, Sarfo Marfo, aged 58, and Stephen Manu, aged 19, and retrieved three pumping machines,” the Mankranso District Police Command said.
Police say the two suspects will be processed for court, while efforts are underway to track down and arrest the remaining suspects who escaped during the operation. The Command reiterated its commitment to clamping down on illegal mining activities that threaten lives, infrastructure, and the environment.
