#The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, arresting 208 suspects and seizing 99 excavators across the country in March and April 2025. This operation forms part of the police’s efforts to combat galamsey, a term used to describe illegal mining activities that pose significant environmental and economic threats to Ghana.
Key Highlights of the Operation:
– Arrests: A total of 208 suspects have been apprehended, including Ghanaians and foreign nationals, in connection with illegal mining activities.
– Seized Equipment: The police have confiscated 99 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 4 pump-action guns, 3 single-barrel guns, 1 pistol, and 11 changfangs, among other exhibits.
– Regional Operations: Various Regional Police Commands have contributed to the operation, with notable arrests and seizures made in the Western, Upper West, and Eastern North regions.
In one notable operation in the Western Region, the police arrested 47 suspects, including 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals, and seized 17 excavators, 1 bulldozer, and several firearms. The suspects were arraigned before court, with some remanded into custody.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting the environment and upholding the law in its fight against galamsey. The operation demonstrates the police’s determination to tackle the menace of illegal mining and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.