The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested 17 individuals in a renewed crackdown on illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in the region.
The arrests were made during two separate, intelligence-led operations conducted on Thursday at Adamaso and Wassa Mamieso—communities notorious for illegal mining.
According to a statement issued by the police, the operations led to multiple arrests and the seizure of key mining equipment.
“At Adamaso, the teams arrested 12 persons; Abraham Antwi (26), Jeremiah Adusei (37), Eric Martey (41), George Amoah (45), Misasa Jonas (25), Larry Ndaaso (42), Ezekiel Dome (22), Bismark Adu (19), Alex Sabla (34), Godfrey Acheampong (29), Ebenezer Mensah (21), and Emmanuel Appiah (25),” it said.
In addition to the arrests, five pumping machines believed to have been used for illegal mining were confiscated.
The police further reported that a second raid near the Mamie River in Wassa Mamieso resulted in the arrest of five more suspects.
“They are Junior Simon (21), Stephen Tetteh (30), Samuel Kwarteng (19), Matthew Wofatey (20), and Seidu Ayigbe (30). A ‘Sunny Excavator 215 Control Board’ was also seized,” the release added.
All 17 suspects are currently in custody assisting police with investigations. The seized equipment has been retained as part of the evidence.
The latest enforcement operation forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on illegal mining activities that continue to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
