The Ghana Police Service has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, resulting in the arrest of 208 suspects and the seizure of 99 excavators across five regions, according to an official police statement released this week.

The intensified operations, which began in March 2025, are part of a nationwide strategy aimed at combating the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining. The coordinated actions targeted key galamsey hotspots in the Western, Upper West, Eastern South, Western Central, and Eastern North Regional Police jurisdictions.

In one of the most significant raids, conducted in the Western Region — particularly in Samreboi along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, and Tigarikrom — police arrested 58 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals. Authorities also retrieved 85 excavators and three bulldozers from various illegal mining sites in the area.

Breakdowns from other regional operations include:

• Western Region: 19 suspects arrested; 3 excavators and 3 pump-action guns retrieved.
• Upper West Region: 7 Ghanaians arrested; 11 changfang machines and 3 motorbikes seized.
• Eastern South Region: 24 suspects, including 1 Burkinabe national, arrested; 5 excavators, 3 single-barrel guns, and 1 pump-action gun confiscated.
• Western Central Region: 85 suspects (76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese nationals) arrested; 11 excavators and other items retrieved.
• Eastern North Region: 15 suspects, including 1 Chinese national, arrested; authorities seized 4 excavator control boards, 9 monitors, and 1 pistol.

In total, law enforcement recovered 99 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 4 pump-action guns, 3 single-barrel guns, 1 pistol, and 11 changfangs. Additional items seized include vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and water pumping machines.

All suspects are currently undergoing legal processing, according to police officials.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining and called on the public to support efforts aimed at protecting the country’s environment and natural resources.

“We remain resolute in our mission to end galamsey and safeguard the future of our lands and water bodies,” the statement concluded.