The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has launched a nationwide operation targeting illegal mining activities—commonly referred to as galamsey. The crackdown has so far resulted in the arrest of 38 suspects from hotspot areas in the Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions.
The operations, which began earlier this week, focused on towns notorious for destructive and unregulated mining, some of which were taking place dangerously close to homes, schools, and public roads.
At Huniso in the Western Region, 13 individuals were arrested and have been remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court. They are scheduled to reappear in court on June 6, 2025.
In the Ashanti Region, a team led by Regional Commander ACP Joseph Nyaaba raided a site just 200 metres from Asare Bediako Senior High School in Akrokerri near Obuasi. Nine suspects were apprehended for using explosives, which reportedly damaged school property.
Another operation in the Central Region, conducted on May 29 at Dunkwa-On-Offin, led to the arrest of two miners operating excavators along the River Offin. These suspects are currently in police custody and under investigation.
Police also raided Wassa Dadieso in the Western Region, where illegal mining pits were found dangerously close to residential buildings. That operation, led by Chief Superintendent William Jabialu, involved over 80 officers and extended to Wassa Gyapa, where more than 135 chanfan machines were destroyed, one motorbike was seized, and six more suspects were arrested.
Authorities have confirmed that all arrested individuals are cooperating with ongoing investigations. The police plan to intensify operations in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to combat illegal mining and reduce its environmental and social impact.