Police nab 20 in Central Region over illegal mining

Twenty individuals have been arrested in Ghana’s Central Region for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamse’, following a series of coordinated operations led by the Central North Regional Police Command.

The arrests, which took place across multiple locations, were part of intelligence-led efforts to curb unauthorized mining along water bodies and forest reserves. Police say the raids also led to the seizure of heavy-duty machinery used in the illegal activities.

The first operation occurred on May 25 at Ebenezer, a known mining hub in the Upper Denkyira West District. It was led by Regional Commander DCOP Abraham Acquaye. Eight individuals, aged between 18 and 45, were apprehended, including Kwame Joe, Yaw Mireku, Mark Baba, and Kofi Donkor.

Authorities seized two excavators, a cylinder machine, and several pumping devices, which were transported to the Diaso Police Station and the regional headquarters in Assin Fosu.

A second raid followed on May 29 along the Offin River, where Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyemang were caught operating excavators. That team was led by Chief Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce.

Across the two operations, the police also confiscated eight pumping machines and eight illegal dredging devices, commonly known as “changfans.”

All suspects are in custody as investigations continue. In a brief statement to the media, the police reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing anti-galamsey laws and protecting the region’s natural resources.

“This operation is part of a broader initiative to dismantle illegal mining networks and safeguard the environment,” the statement said.

Illegal mining remains a major threat to water bodies, farmland, and local communities, with growing pressure on law enforcement and environmental agencies to intensify crackdowns. The police have urged residents to provide credible information to help locate other illegal mining sites and operators.