The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested thirteen individuals in connection with illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey—at Wassa Gyapa in the Western Region. The arrests were part of a high-impact anti-galamsey operation carried out on Monday, May 19, 2025.

During the raid, police also disabled more than 120 changfang machines, the improvised dredging equipment often used to mine gold from riverbeds. Six motorbikes were also seized at the site.

The arrested suspects include:

• Nana Ampadu, Stephen Tetteh, Yaw Dalame, Samuel Amoah, Kwame Oppong, Francis Oduom, Owusu Asare
• Atta Kwame, Apiyanga Emmanuel, Kojo Montanakito, Maxwell Owusu, Obofo Vincent, Soogal Fataw

The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Tarkwa Circuit Court today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies

This operation follows a series of similar crackdowns across the country, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to curb illegal mining and its devastating environmental impacts. Just days earlier, on May 15, 2025, the Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested 14 persons at Akyem Muoso in the Eastern Region for similar offenses.

Those suspects were arraigned before the Koforidua Circuit Court B and granted bail at GHC350,000.00 each, with two sureties—one of whom must justify with movable property.

A pump-action gun was retrieved from one suspect, Zuberu Nuhoho, who failed to provide documentation. Two excavator control boards were also confiscated at the site.

IGP’s Anti-Galamsey Agenda

The intensified operations are part of a broader national strategy spearheaded by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno to eradicate illegal mining and restore Ghana’s degraded lands and polluted water bodies.

Additionally, the government has launched a new initiative dubbed the Blue Water Guards—a specialized unit trained to protect water bodies from illegal mining incursions.

Environmental Stakes Remain High

Galamsey continues to pose a severe threat to Ghana’s environment, particularly rivers and farmlands. Authorities have warned that without sustained enforcement, the country’s key water sources could face irreversible damage.

The latest arrests and machine seizures signal a renewed urgency by state agencies to clamp down on illegal mining operations and hold perpetrators accountable.