A sweeping police operation to curb illegal mining in Ghana, known locally as galamsey, has led to the arrest of at least 30 individuals across three regions this week.
The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered the high-impact raids in response to growing concerns over environmental destruction, public safety, and the encroachment of mining activity on residential and educational areas.
One of the most significant operations took place in Huniso, a community in the Western Region, where 13 individuals were arrested. According to police, the suspects were found mining dangerously close to homes and public roads. They were arraigned before the Tarkwa Circuit Court and have been remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is set for 6 June 2025.
In the Ashanti Region, nine suspects were arrested near Akrokerri, close to the mining hub of Obuasi. The group was operating just 200 metres from Asare Bediako Senior High School, where police say the use of explosives had damaged parts of the school’s property.
“These sites pose real danger not just to the environment, but to our children, to our communities,” said Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, who led the raid.
In a separate incident on 29 May, police stormed the banks of the River Offin at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region. Two men, identified as Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyeman, were arrested for operating excavators without authorization. Authorities say the pair are now assisting with investigations.
Further west in Wassa Dadieso, a town plagued by deep mining pits dug perilously close to homes and major roads, police officers arrested several individuals following a large-scale operation. Led by Chief Superintendent William Jabialu, 82 officers descended on the area and expanded the sweep to nearby Wassa Gyapa, another galamsey hotspot. There, officers destroyed over 135 illegal chanfan machines and arrested six more suspects.
The Inspector General’s directive forms part of an intensified national effort to tackle illegal mining, which has long been linked to environmental degradation, water pollution, and the destruction of farmlands.
“All suspects are in police custody and are assisting with investigations,” a statement from the Ghana Police Service said. “Further operations are planned as part of sustained efforts to protect communities and the country’s natural resources.”
Illegal mining remains a major challenge in Ghana, despite previous crackdowns and national campaigns. The government has vowed to continue its efforts to restore land and water bodies affected by galamsey operations.
