The Ghana Police Service has ramped up its fight against illegal mining, arresting 208 individuals and seizing 99 excavators in a nationwide operation aimed at protecting water bodies and natural resources.
According to a police statement issued on Tuesday, May 13, the coordinated anti-galamsey operations took place between March and May 2025, targeting illegal mining hotspots across several regions, with the Western Region recording the highest number of arrests and equipment seizures.
A significant operation near Samreboi along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom, and nearby communities led to the arrest of 58 suspects—50 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals.
Authorities also retrieved 85 excavators and three bulldozers in the process.
In separate operations, the Western Regional Police Command arrested 19 individuals and confiscated three excavators and three pump-action guns.
In the Eastern South Region, 24 suspects—including one Burkinabe national—were apprehended.
Police seized five excavators along with weapons including three single-barrel guns and a pump-action gun.
In the Upper West Region, seven suspects were arrested, with officers impounding 11 changfangs and three motorbikes.
The Western Central Command detained 85 individuals—76 Ghanaians and nine Chinese nationals—and recovered 11 excavators.
Meanwhile, the Eastern North Command arrested 15 suspects, including a Chinese national, and recovered equipment such as excavator control boards, monitors, and a pistol.
In total, the nationwide operation resulted in the seizure of:
- 99 excavators
- 3 bulldozers
- 11 changfangs
- 4 pump-action guns
- 3 single-barrel guns
- 1 pistol
- Multiple vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and water pumping machines
All arrested individuals are currently undergoing legal processes.
The Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing fight against illegal mining and urged the public to support national efforts to preserve the environment and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
