A four-day intelligence-led anti-galamsey operation conducted by the Ghana Police Service in the Samreboi enclave of the Western Region has led to the arrest of 47 suspects and the seizure of 17 excavators, along with other weapons and equipment used in illegal mining.
The operation, which began on April 17, 2025, targeted illegal mining activities along the Tano River and within the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forest reserves.
Those arrested include 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals.
Among the items retrieved during the operation were:
– 17 excavators
– 1 bulldozer
– 4 motorbikes
– 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles
– 1 Toyota RAV4
– 4 pump-action guns
– 1 single-barrel gun
– 54 live BB cartridges
– 8 pumping machines
Out of the 47 suspects, 41 were arraigned before court today.
Of these, 29 were remanded into Police custody to reappear on April 30, while 12 others were remanded to reappear on May 2. The remaining six suspects are expected to be put before court on April 23.
In a related move, the Police Administration has reshuffled several divisional and district commanders in known illegal mining areas across the Eastern, Western, and Western North Regions.
The reshuffle is aimed at revitalizing efforts in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national campaign to protect the country’s natural resources.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com