The Ghana Police Service has arrested 38 suspects in a coordinated series of anti-galamsey operations carried out across the Western, Ashanti, and Central regions.

The crackdown, ordered by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), targeted illegal mining activities taking place within communities, near highways, and close to vital public infrastructure.

The operations were aimed at curbing the alarming resurgence of illegal mining — commonly known as Galamsey — which continues to cause environmental destruction, threaten water bodies, and endanger public safety.

Western Region: 13 Arrested at Huniso

One of the major raids occurred at Huniso near Tarkwa, where 13 suspects were arrested during a police operation led by regional security forces.

The suspects were remanded by the Tarkwa Circuit Court and are expected to reappear on June 6, 2025.

The Huniso raid is part of an intensified effort to dismantle entrenched illegal mining networks operating in the area.

Ashanti Region: Galamsey at School Site in Akrokerri

In the Ashanti Region, police raided an illegal mining site located just 200 meters from the Asare Bediako Senior High School in Akrokerri near Obuasi.

The miners were reportedly using explosives to blast the land, damaging both the environment and school property.

Acting on direct orders from the IGP, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Joseph Nyaaba, led a tactical team to the site, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects actively working at the location.

Central Region: River Offin Under Threat

On May 29, the police raided another illegal mining operation in Dunkwa-On-Offin, Central Region.

The operation, spearheaded by Superintendent David Ashong and ASP Emmanuel Bruce of the Dunkwa-On-Offin FPU Base, led to the arrest of two miners — Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyeman — who were caught operating excavators along the River Offin.

The suspects and their equipment remain in police custody as investigations continue.