Over 200 arrested,99 excavators retrieved in nationwide crackdown on illegal mining – Ghana Police
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The arrests followed a series of coordinated raids across key mining-affected regions, with a major anti-galamsey operation taking place in Samreboi and surrounding communities along the Tano River in the Western Region.
The Ghana Police Service has intensified its nationwide campaign against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, arresting 208 individuals during operations carried out in March and April 2025.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated raids across key mining-affected regions, with a major anti-galamsey operation taking place in Samreboi and surrounding communities along the Tano River in the Western Region. That operation led to the arrest of 58 suspects—comprising 50 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals—and the seizure of 85 excavators and 3 bulldozers.
Regional police units also conducted successful operations in multiple areas:
Western Region: 19 suspects were apprehended. Authorities seized 3 excavators and 3 pump-action shotguns along with other tools used in illegal mining.
Upper West Region: 7 Ghanaians were arrested. Officers retrieved 11 changfang machines and 3 motorbikes.
Eastern South Region: 24 suspects, including a Burkinabe national, were detained. Police confiscated 5 excavators, 3 single-barrel guns, and a pump-action shotgun.
Western Central Region: 85 people, made up of 76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese nationals, were arrested. 11 excavators and various other exhibits were recovered.
Eastern North Region: 15 individuals, including one Chinese national, were taken into custody. The operation also yielded 4 excavator control boards, 9 monitors, and a pistol.
In total, police operations have led to the confiscation of:
99 excavators
3 bulldozers
4 pump-action guns
3 single-barrel guns
1 pistol
11 changfangs
In addition to several vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines.
All 208 suspects are currently undergoing legal processing, with investigations ongoing.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s environment and natural resources, pledging continued efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the nation.
