The Ghana Police Service has arrested 23 suspects and seized 64 changfans during a series of operations against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey in the Western Region.
The operations, which took place between June 20 and June 22, 2025, were carried out in the Wassa Akropong District, Wassa Dominase, and Asankrangwa.
In a statement, the Police explained that the exercise form part of a broader effort to address illegal mining in various parts of the country.
At Wassa Akropong, 23 persons were arrested during operations along the Wassa Akropong to Japa to Dadieso road.
The team later moved to the Obeng Mining Group site at Wassa Japa, where they disabled 64 changfan machines believed to be used in unlawful mining activities.
In another operation at Wassa Dominase, the Police responded to intelligence concerning illegal mining near the Goil and Energy Oil filling stations along the Agona Amenfi to Gyedua Kesse Junction road.
Seven changfan machines and washing boards were destroyed, while three water pumping machines and one pickaxe were retrieved.
A separate team also intervened at Asankrangwa, where they received information about mining activities taking place close to the One District One Factory project building along the Asankra Saah to Asankra Kwabeng road.
Four motorbikes and three water pumping machines were retrieved from that location.
All the suspects are currently in custody and assisting the Police with investigations.
The Police has pledged to continuously rely on intelligence to respond to illegal mining activities, especially in areas where such operations pose risks to public safety, infrastructure, and nearby communities.
