The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies, has arrested more than 300 suspects in a massive dawn operation across Hwidiem, Kenyasi, Goaso, and Mehame in the Ahafo Region.
The joint operation, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, forms part of efforts to clamp down on individuals suspected of involvement in recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force, Police officers, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, including some journalists.
According to security sources, the exercise has been “smooth and incident-free,” with communities expressing satisfaction and support for the ongoing crackdown.
Initial reports indicated that over 30 suspects, comprising both men and women, were picked up in the early stages of the operation, but the number later rose to over 300 arrests as the exercise intensified across the various locations.
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Police Service have jointly cautioned that any individual or group that attempts to obstruct security personnel in the performance of their lawful duties—particularly during anti-galamsey (illegal mining) operations—will face the full rigour of the law.
In a joint statement, the security agencies assured the public that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of residents within the operational zones.
They urged law-abiding citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear or panic.
The statement further commended civil society groups, the media, and members of the public for their strong condemnation of the recent attacks on security operatives.
It also called for continued cooperation with ongoing operations aimed at restoring order and protecting the nation’s natural resources.