The Ghana Police Service executed a significant operation against illegal mining, leading to the arrest of 27 individuals at Ankaase Gyadam near Asamang Tamfoe in the Eastern Region. This intelligence-led operation, conducted on July 25, 2025, targeted individuals actively engaged in galamsey, the local term for illegal mining. The arrests followed an extensive period of surveillance and meticulous planning involving various law enforcement and regional security networks. The targeted operation reflects a growing national concern over the devastating environmental and security implications of illegal mining activities.
The operation unfolded across multiple illegal mining sites, with all suspects apprehended while actively participating in galamsey. The arrests, however, were not without incident. Several individuals attempted to resist, resorting to violent measures including attacks on officers with machetes and other weapons. Despite this resistance, the police effectively subdued the attackers and successfully completed the operation. This incident underscores the dangerous nature of illegal mining and the risks faced by law enforcement in addressing this complex issue. It also highlights the desperation of some individuals involved in these illicit activities and their willingness to resort to violence to protect their illegal operations.
Beyond the arrests, the operation yielded a substantial seizure of equipment and machinery used in the illegal mining activities. This included eleven excavators, a bulldozer, a pump-action shotgun, three saloon cars, a Mitsubishi pickup truck, a pick loader, and numerous water pumping machines and mining tools. The confiscated items represent a significant financial investment in the illegal mining operation and their seizure delivers a considerable blow to the operation’s capacity. These items are now in police custody, serving as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. The presence of a firearm amongst the confiscated items raises further concerns about the potential for violence associated with illegal mining and the broader security implications.
The 27 suspects, all male, remain in custody and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. This cooperation could potentially lead to further arrests and the dismantling of wider illegal mining networks operating in the region. The information gathered from these individuals may also shed light on the financial infrastructure supporting these operations, allowing authorities to target the individuals and organizations profiting from this destructive practice. The investigation promises to uncover a deeper understanding of the intricate web of individuals and resources involved in galamsey.
The Ghana Police Service issued a statement following the operation, reiterating their commitment to intensifying efforts against illegal mining. They emphasized that this operation forms part of a broader, sustained strategy to dismantle galamsey operations and bring those responsible to justice. The statement serves as a public declaration of the government’s resolve to tackle this pervasive problem. It also signals a shift towards a more proactive and persistent approach to combating illegal mining, moving beyond sporadic raids towards a more comprehensive and long-term strategy.
The police have called upon residents in the affected areas to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activity. This community involvement is crucial to the success of ongoing and future operations. Local knowledge and timely reporting can provide invaluable intelligence, enabling law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively to illegal mining activities. As the operation expands to other parts of the Eastern Region, community participation will become even more critical in identifying and dismantling these illicit operations and ultimately protecting the environment and natural resources of Ghana. The fight against illegal mining necessitates a collaborative approach, engaging both law enforcement agencies and local communities in a joint effort to eradicate this destructive practice.
