A fierce crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) was unleashed this week under the direct orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), resulting in the arrest of over 30 individuals across several notorious mining enclaves in the Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions of Ghana.
The coordinated operations targeted areas where illegal mining activities have increasingly crept into residential zones, school compounds, and public roadways—posing significant environmental and public safety risks.
In one of the most high-profile interventions, police stormed Huniso near Tarkwa in the Western Region, arresting 13 suspects. These individuals have already been remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court and are due to reappear on June 6, 2025.
Another dramatic raid unfolded in Akrokerri, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, where illegal miners had set up operations just 200 metres from Asare Bediako Senior High School. The use of explosives by the miners had reportedly damaged school property. Acting on the IGP’s directive, Ashanti South Regional Police Commander ACP Joseph Nyaaba led a team to arrest nine individuals in the act.
On May 29, the focus shifted to Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region, where officers led by Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce apprehended two suspects operating excavators along the banks of the River Offin. Both suspects and their equipment remain in police custody pending further investigation.
Perhaps the most extensive operation took place at Wassa Dadieso and Wassa Gyapa, areas infamous for deep mining pits dug perilously close to homes and highways. A combined police force of 82 personnel, led by Chief Superintendent William Jabialu, destroyed over 135 chanfan machines and seized one motorbike. Six suspects were arrested despite treacherous terrain and ongoing resistance.
Police say all suspects are assisting with ongoing investigations and will be processed for court in the coming days. The IGP has reiterated his commitment to curbing illegal mining, warning that more such operations are imminent as authorities intensify efforts to reclaim endangered lands and protect critical public infrastructure.
