Fifty-six individuals have been arrested and handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for their involvement in illegal mining activities in Kadadwen, Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

The crackdown was part of a targeted operation by the Western Regional Security Council to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in the region, which has devastating environmental and community impacts. It was conducted on Thursday, March 13, 2025, by personnel from the Western Naval Command, Second Infantry Battalion, and Police.

In addition to the arrests, about 25 changfang machines were seized and destroyed. Three motorbikes, 9 pumping machines, three excavators and three pay-loaders from Ahanta West Municipality and Mpohor District, were also seized.

The operation targeted illegal miners in specific areas, including Site Six of Ghana Rubber Company Ltd., North Palm Oil Plantation, Kada Dwen, and parts of the Mpohor District, resulting in the arrest of 47 males and 9 females from Kadadwen in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

Additionally, security personnel burn 25 Changfang machines and seized various equipment,

Brigadier General Musa Whajah, the National Liaison Officer who led the operation, expressed concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining and vowed to take action.

“We made some arrests during today's operation. This time, we're taking a different approach. The suspects will be screened by the police, and those found culpable will be put before the court,” he stated.

In a separate operation, a joint Rapid Response Team from the Tarkwa and Takoradi Forest District of the Forestry Commission arrested eight illegal miners, seizing seven motorcycles and three tricycles from the Subri Forest Reserve on Wednesday, March 12.

All suspects have been handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for further investigations.