Seventeen people, including seven Chinese nationals and ten Ghanaians, have been arrested in a major police operation targeting illegal mining, also known locally as galamsey, in Samreboi in Ghana’s Western Region.
The arrests were carried by a special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce dispatched from the National Police Headquarters in Accra. According to officials, the operation is part of renewed efforts to protect Ghana’s rapidly depleting forest reserves and water bodies from the harmful effects of unregulated mining.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed in a statement that the suspects have been moved to the capital to assist with further investigations.
“This is part of ongoing, targeted enforcement aimed at halting the destruction of our natural resources,” the statement read. “The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in its support for national efforts to combat illegal mining.”
The crackdown at Samreboi, an area rich in biodiversity, follows months of rising concerns from environmental groups and local communities about the continued degradation of forest lands and river systems due to illegal mining activities.
Authorities say operations in the region are being intensified, with more deployments planned and increased surveillance to prevent a resurgence of mining in protected zones. The police are also working to identify additional suspects believed to be involved in financing or facilitating galamsey operations in the area.
The arrests mark a significant step in the government’s broader anti-galamsey campaign, which has faced both logistical and political challenges in recent years. Critics have often pointed to inconsistent enforcement and alleged complicity by influential figures.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the development but urge sustained action beyond arrests.
“This is a positive move, but we’ve seen crackdowns before that lose momentum,” said one activist based in Takoradi. “We need consistent enforcement and real accountability to save what’s left of our forests.”
As investigations continue, the police have called on the public to provide information that could lead to the apprehension of others involved in illegal mining operations across the coun
