Illegal mining fight: 99 excavators retrieved, 208 suspects so far arrested

The Ghana Police Service is actively fighting illegal mining. In March and April 2025, they conducted anti-galamsey operations across the country.

In a special operation at Samreboi, near the Tano River, police arrested 58 suspects. This includes 50 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals. They also seized 85 excavators and 3 bulldozers.

Other regional police commands have also carried out similar operations:

- The Western Regional Police Command arrested 19 suspects. They retrieved 3 excavators and 3 pump-action guns.

- The Upper West Regional Police Command arrested 7 Ghanaians. They seized 11 changfangs and 3 motorbikes.

- The Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe. They recovered 5 excavators, along with guns.

- The Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 85 suspects, including 76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese. They seized 11 excavators among other items.

- The Eastern North Regional Police Command arrested 15 suspects, including one Chinese national. They retrieved control boards for excavators, monitors, and a pistol.

In total, police have arrested 208 suspects so far. They have confiscated 99 excavators, along with bulldozers and various firearms. Other items include vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines.

All suspects are undergoing legal processes as required by law.

The Ghana Police Service remains committed to combating illegal mining activities in the country.