Ghana Police arrests 208 in nationwide crackdown on illegal mining

The Ghana Police Service is cracking down on illegal mining, known as galamsey. They conducted targeted operations across the country from March to April 2025.

In the Western Region, a special operation near Samreboi led to 58 arrests. This included 50 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals. The police seized 85 excavators and three bulldozers during this operation.

Regional police commands coordinated further efforts, resulting in more arrests and equipment seizures:

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

- The Upper West Regional Police Command detained seven Ghanaians. They retrieved 11 changfang machines and three motorbikes.

- The Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe national. They confiscated five excavators and various firearms.

- The Western Central Regional Police Command apprehended 85 suspects—76 Ghanaians and nine Chinese. They seized 11 excavators among other items.

- The Eastern North Regional Police Command arrested 15 individuals, including one Chinese national. They recovered four excavator control boards and a pistol.

Overall, these nationwide operations led to the arrest of 208 suspects. Authorities confiscated:

- 99 excavators
- 3 bulldozers
- 4 pump-action guns
- 3 single-barrel guns
- 1 pistol
- 11 changfang machines

They also seized several vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines.

The Ghana Police Service assures the public that all suspects are being processed legally. They reaffirm their commitment to ending illegal mining activities and protecting natural resources in the country.