The Ghana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, with a series of targeted operations conducted across the country between March and April 2025.

A special anti-galamsey operation in the Western Region, particularly around Samreboi along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom, and nearby communities, led to the arrest of 58 suspects.

These include 50 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of 85 excavators and three bulldozers.

In a coordinated effort by regional police commands, further operations yielded additional arrests and equipment seizures:

Western Regional Police Command apprehended 19 suspects and recovered three excavators, three pump-action guns, and other items.

Upper West Regional Police Command arrested seven Ghanaian suspects and retrieved 11 changfang machines and three motorbikes.

Eastern South Regional Police Command detained 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe national, and confiscated five excavators, three single-barrel guns, one pump-action gun, and various other tools.

Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 85 suspects—76 Ghanaians and nine Chinese—and seized 11 excavators and other exhibits.

Eastern North Regional Police Command arrested 15 individuals, including one Chinese national, and recovered four excavator control boards, nine monitors, and one pistol, among other items.

In total, the nationwide operations have led to the arrest of 208 suspects, and the confiscation of:

99 excavators

3 bulldozers

4 pump-action guns

3 single-barrel guns

1 pistol

11 changfangs

Plus several vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that all suspects are being processed through the legal system and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities and protecting the country's natural resources.