The Ghana Police Service has ramped up its nationwide campaign against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, with a series of operations conducted throughout March and April 2025. These efforts have led to the arrest of 208 individuals and the seizure of a significant number of mining equipment and weapons across various regions.
In one of the major operations in the Western Region, police officers stormed several communities, including Samreboi, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom, and areas along the Tano River. Fifty-eight individuals—comprising 50 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals—were arrested. Authorities also seized 85 excavators and three bulldozers from the illegal mining sites.
Regional Police Commands have also recorded significant gains in the crackdown. In the Western Region alone, 19 suspects were taken into custody, with three excavators and three pump-action guns recovered.
In the Upper West Region, seven Ghanaians were arrested, and police retrieved 11 changfang machines and three motorbikes believed to be used in illegal mining operations.
The Eastern South Regional Command apprehended 24 suspects, including a Burkinabe national. Five excavators, three single-barrel guns, and a pump-action gun were seized during the operations.
Meanwhile, the Western Central Region saw the highest number of arrests, with 85 suspects—76 Ghanaians and nine Chinese nationals—taken into custody. Eleven excavators and other mining tools were recovered.
In the Eastern North Region, 15 suspects, including one Chinese national, were arrested. Police confiscated four excavator control boards, nine monitors, and a pistol, among other items.
In total, the nationwide operations resulted in the arrest of 208 individuals and the confiscation of 99 excavators, three bulldozers, four pump-action guns, three single-barrel guns, one pistol, and 11 changfangs.
Additional equipment, including vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and water pumping machines, were also impounded.
The Ghana Police Service says all suspects are being processed for prosecution. It reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural environment.
