The fight against illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” in Ghana intensified on April 8, 2025, with the arrest of 22 individuals in the Western Region. This coordinated operation, led by the Western Central Police Command, targeted communities notorious for galamsey activities, specifically Dominase Nkwanta and Adjakaa Manso. The arrests, a result of meticulous intelligence gathering, represent a significant step in the ongoing battle against this environmentally destructive practice that threatens Ghana’s water bodies and overall ecosystem. The apprehended individuals, aged between 19 and 30, include Albert Adu Bonsra, Stephen Kwakye, Richard Atigah, Yaw Menanyi, Al-Mustapha Alidu, among others. This targeted operation underscores the authorities’ commitment to dismantling illegal mining networks and holding perpetrators accountable.
The police operation not only resulted in the apprehension of suspects but also yielded a significant seizure of equipment used in illegal mining operations. Recovered items included 11 pumping machines, crucial for extracting water from mining pits, seven shovels used for digging and moving earth, a pick-axe for breaking rocks and hard ground, and two chamfan machines, typically employed for separating gold ore from other materials. These confiscated tools provide concrete evidence of the suspects’ involvement in illegal mining and will serve as crucial exhibits in the legal proceedings against them. The seizure of these tools also disrupts the operational capacity of illegal mining groups, hindering their ability to continue their destructive activities.
Following their arrest, the 22 suspects were brought before the Asankrangwa District Court and subsequently remanded into custody pending further investigation. This legal process ensures that the suspects are held accountable for their alleged crimes and allows authorities time to gather additional evidence and build a strong case against them. The case file will be forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Department for review, a crucial step in ensuring due process and paving the way for potential prosecution. This collaborative approach between law enforcement and the justice system demonstrates the government’s commitment to pursuing legal action against those engaged in illegal mining.
ACP Bismark Agyapong, the Deputy Western Central Regional Police Commander, addressed the media following the operation, providing details of the arrests and emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating galamsey. He issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal mining, urging them to cease their activities immediately. He underscored the gravity of the offense, emphasizing that those caught will face the full force of the law. This public statement serves as a deterrent and reinforces the message that illegal mining will not be tolerated.
The successful operation in the Western Region highlights the government’s multi-pronged approach to combatting illegal mining. This approach involves intelligence gathering, targeted law enforcement operations, prosecution of offenders, and public awareness campaigns. The arrests and seizure of equipment demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in disrupting illegal mining activities and apprehending those responsible. The involvement of the judiciary ensures that legal processes are followed and reinforces the rule of law.
The fight against galamsey is not solely a law enforcement effort but requires collective action. Authorities are calling upon the public to actively participate in this endeavor by reporting suspected illegal mining activities and supporting ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving the environment. Protecting Ghana’s natural resources from further degradation requires a collaborative effort between law enforcement, the judiciary, the government, and the public. This collective responsibility is essential for the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s environment and the well-being of its citizens.
