W/R: Six illegal miners arrested, over 135 chanfang machines destroyed at Wassa-Dadieso

A special dawn operation targeted illegal mining at Wassa-Dadieso.

This operation took place on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at 8:00 am.

Chief Superintendent William Jabialu led the effort. He is the Wassa Akropong District Police Commander.

He was joined by five senior officers and 73 police personnel. They traveled in several service vehicles.

The operation focused on an area about 500 meters from the Kumasi-Tarkwa Highway. This location is known for illegal gold mining, called galamsey.

The terrain was muddy and difficult to navigate. As a result, police could not reach the mining pits easily. Many miners escaped into the excavated pits.

Despite these challenges, six suspects were arrested. They are Eugene Mathew (20), Inusah Seidu (38), Jonathan Nyampong (27), Emmanuel Kakawe (19), Antwi Stephen (23), and Gideon Lar (25).

Police also destroyed 135 chanfang machines used in illegal mining. These machines are diesel-powered dredging equipment.

Additionally, one motorbike believed to belong to miners was seized.

This operation is part of a larger campaign against illegal mining activities. Law enforcement aims to protect water bodies and farmlands affected by galamsey operations.