The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed a series of high-impact operations targeting illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey in the Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions.
The nationwide crackdown, which began earlier this week, led to the arrest of 38 suspects from various hotspot towns notorious for destructive mining practices, including operations within residential settlements and near major highways.
One of the major operations occurred at Huniso in the Western Region, where 13 individuals were apprehended.
They were subsequently remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court and are scheduled to reappear on June 6, 2025.
In the Ashanti Region, a team led by Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, raided an illegal mining site situated just 200 metres from 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.
Another raid was conducted on May 29 at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region. Divisional Commander Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce led 20 officers to the River Offin bank, where they arrested two illegal miners, Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyeman.
The two were operating excavators and are now in police custody pending further investigation.
Credit: CNR