The bustling Kejetia community, nestled near the Gbane mining site in Ghana’s Upper East Region, became the scene of a significant security operation on Saturday, May 31, 2025. A joint task force comprising the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service executed a meticulously planned raid, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The operation stemmed from intelligence reports indicating that an individual identified only as “Polo” was allegedly harboring armed men at a residence connected to a mining concession he purportedly owns. This unauthorized private security force was suspected of being involved in illegal activities related to the mining operation. The arrests underscore the escalating concerns surrounding illegal mining-related violence and the proliferation of unauthorized security operations at mining concessions across the country.
The eight suspects, all adult males between the ages of 18 and 46, were apprehended at the residence linked to the mining concession. They were identified as Masawudu Adam, Yussif Zakari, Abass Nashiru, Abunkrugu James, Abdulai Mbelba, Abdulai Aziz, Yussif Mbelba, and Nicholas Yin. Their arrests represent a critical step in the ongoing effort to dismantle illegal security networks and address the growing problem of violence associated with illegal mining activities. The joint operation demonstrates the commitment of Ghanaian security forces to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of communities affected by illegal mining.
A thorough search of the premises yielded a disturbing cache of weapons and combat-related equipment. Concealed within a yellow jute sack, the discovered items included an AK-47 rifle with serial number AZ 6176 1999, an empty AK-47 magazine, and forty-four live rounds of AK-47 ammunition. Furthermore, a pump-action shotgun with serial number 18A4655, four live AAA cartridges, and four spent AAA cartridges were also recovered. The assortment of weapons also included two cutlasses, a knife, a pair of scissors, a pair of desert boots, a pair of black boots, and a chest vest. The discovery of these items paints a stark picture of the potential for violence and underscores the dangers posed by unauthorized private security forces operating in the region.
The seizure of the weapons and ammunition represents a significant blow to the illegal operations allegedly orchestrated by “Polo.” The arsenal suggests a level of preparedness for violence that raises serious concerns about the potential for escalated conflict in the area. The presence of an AK-47 rifle, a weapon known for its destructive power, further emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the need for continued vigilance by security forces. The recovered items will be crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation and will help authorities understand the full scope of the illegal activities taking place.
Following their arrests, the eight suspects were taken into police custody. They are currently being held as investigations continue to unfold. Authorities are working diligently to determine the origin of the seized weapons and to establish the full extent of “Polo’s” involvement in the alleged illegal activities. This investigation is expected to shed light on the broader network of individuals and organizations potentially involved in illegal mining and the associated violence. The information gathered will be invaluable in developing strategies to combat these illegal activities and ensure the safety of communities impacted by mining operations.
The operation in Kejetia is part of a wider government initiative to address the increasing violence linked to illegal mining and to dismantle unauthorized private security operations at mining concessions throughout the country. This crackdown reflects the government’s commitment to tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal mining. Security agencies have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving firearms or illegal mining operations. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the community is essential to effectively combat illegal mining and its associated criminal activities. The success of this operation serves as a testament to the importance of intelligence-led policing and community engagement in maintaining peace and security.
