An anti-galamsey operation carried out by security agencies at Huniso in the Western region, has led to the arrest of 13 individuals who have been remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court. They are scheduled to reappear on June 6, 2025.
This follows a directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for high-impact operations targeting illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, in the Western, Ashanti, and Central regions.
The crackdown commenced earlier this week, leading to the arrest of 30 suspects from various towns notorious for illegal mining activities, including operations within residential settlements and near major highways.
Aside from the Huniso operation, a team led by Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, raided an illegal mining site just 200 metres from the Asare Bediako Senior High School in Akrokerri near Obuasi.
The operation, carried out under the IGP’s directive, resulted in the arrest of nine suspects using explosives that caused damage to school property.
On May 29, another raid was carried at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central region, led by Divisional Commander, Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce.
They led 20 officers to the bank of the Offin River, where two illegal miners –Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyeman –were arrested. The duo were operating excavators and are now in police custody pending further investigation.
At Wassa Dadieso in the Western region where deep mining pits are dug close to homes and the roadside, another operation was carried out.
Under the command of Chief Superintendent William Jabialu of the Wassa Akropong Police District, a force of 82 personnel stormed the area and arrested several illegal miners.
The operation was extended to Wassa Gyapa, which is another galamsey hotspot. Over 135 changfan machines were set ablaze, with one motorbike impounded, with six suspects arrested amid the muddy terrain.
All suspects across the various operations are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations and are expected to be formally charged in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the police have indicated that further operations are in place as part of sustained efforts to combat the menace to safeguard the environment.
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