Central Region: Police arrest 20 ‘galamseyers’

The Central North Regional Police Command has arrested 20 suspects. They were involved in illegal mining activities in the Central Region.

During these operations, police seized four excavators, eight pumping machines, and eight dredging machines. These dredging machines are commonly known as "changfans."

On May 25, 2025, a task force led by DCOP Abraham Acquaye conducted an operation at Ebenezer. This suburb is located in the Upper Denkyira West District. The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals.

The suspects include Kwame Joe (45), Yaw Mireku (28), Mark Baba (18), Kofi Donkor (18), Nana Kwame (26), Yaw Marfo (30), Okyere David (18), and Kwaku Asante (28). The team seized two excavators and a cylinder machine during this operation. These items were taken to the Diaso Police Station. Eight pumping machines were also retrieved and sent to the Regional Headquarters in Assin Fosu.

In another operation on May 29, Chief Superintendent David Ashong led a team that arrested two individuals along the Offin River. The suspects are Samuel Ankamah and Daniel Agyemang. Both were operating excavators when they were detained.

Police impounded the excavators at the station for further investigation. In a separate incident, police received a tip-off about illegal miners using dredgers in Dunkwa township.

Those arrested include Kwesi Attey, Anane Sampson, Saviour Aziati, Augustine Arthur, Gabriel Gidisu, Siame Joe, Louis Ntoseh, Yaw Adomina, and Wasiu Latiff. Preliminary investigations revealed that some 'changfans' belonged to Kwesi Attey and others.

Efforts are ongoing to locate these owners for questioning. Due to difficulties retrieving or dismantling the 'changfans,' police set all eight machines on fire at the scene.

Exhibits collected from the site included black residue suspected of being related to mining activities. Police also found eight fresh wooden boards and moulded metal materials along the riverbank.

All suspects are currently in custody and will be processed for court soon.