The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested thirteen suspects for illegal mining at Wassa Gyapa in the Western Region.
During anti-galamsey operations on May 19, 2025, the police also disabled over 120 changfang machines used for illegal mining.
Those arrested include Nana Ampadu, Stephen Tetteh, Yaw Dalame, Samuel Amoah, Kwame Oppong, Francis Oduom, Owusu Asare, Atta Kwame, Apiyanga Emmanuel, Kojo Montanakito, Maxwell Owusu, Obofo Vincent, and Soogal Fataw.
In addition to the disabled machines, six motorbikes were recovered from the mining site.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Tarkwa Circuit Court today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
This operation is part of an intensified crackdown on illegal mining by the Ghana Police Service, which has seen multiple arrests in recent months.
For instance, on May 15, 2025, the Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested fourteen individuals involved in illegal mining at Akyem Muoso in the Eastern Region.
They were arraigned before the Koforidua Circuit Court B on May 16, 2025, and granted bail set at GHC350,000.00 each, with two sureties, one of which must be secured with movable property.
At the time of arrest, police also seized a pump-action gun from suspect Zuberu Nuhoho, who could not provide documentation for the weapon, as well as two excavator control boards from the mining site.
These efforts form part of a broader anti-galamsey campaign led by Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno to end illegal mining across the country.
The government has also launched initiatives such as the Blue Water Guards—trained individuals tasked with protecting the nation’s water bodies from illegal mining activities.
