W/R: Police arrest 26 in galamsey crackdown near Samreboi

The Police have arrested 26 people for illegal mining. This took place in a forest reserve near Samreboi, Western Region. The raid was part of efforts to stop galamsey. Galamsey has caused severe environmental damage across Ghana.

Multiple police units led the operation. These included the Intelligence Directorate, CID, and National Operations Directorate. Officers stormed the mining site and detained six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and 18 Ghanaians. They are suspected of working in the protected area.

During the raid, eight excavators were confiscated. Five others were left behind due to transport issues. Authorities also seized two Toyota Hilux pickup trucks and a Toyota RAV4. Four motorbikes and various mining equipment linked to illegal activity were taken as well.

The site is connected to Akonta Mining Company. This company is owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. His name has come up in discussions about illegal mining in Ghana.

Police found several tools and weapons at the scene. These included pump-action guns, water pumps, excavators, payloaders, machetes, and vehicles. The environmental damage was significant; large areas of land were destroyed and water bodies polluted.

The suspects remain in custody and will face legal proceedings soon. Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno reaffirmed their commitment to ending illegal mining. He emphasized protecting Ghana’s natural resources.