In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested 11 individuals involved in illicit mining along the Bonsa River in the Western Region.
The operation, carried out on 31st March 2025, follows a series of sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing the rising menace of “Galamsey” (illegal mining) that has severely impacted the environment and local communities.
The arrested individuals include seven Ghanaians and four Chinese nationals.
The operation led to the capture of the suspects in two distinct locations—five of them were detained at a mining site in Bonsa, while the remaining six were apprehended at Wassa Agona, both areas known for their association with illegal mining activities.
Among those arrested at the Bonsa site are Wei Qinwei, Yao Yongji, Nsoh Oto (also known as Agologo), Kwadwo George (commonly referred to as Sergio), and Emmanuel Van (alias Atta).
Meanwhile, the six suspects detained at Wassa Agona include Nuang Shichuan, Huang Xinbao, Douglas Ayambilla, Elvis Aborta, Michael Tettey Komlorm, and Ibrahim Dauda.
All eleven suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with plans to have them face legal proceedings in court.
Illegal mining, also known as “Galamsey,” has been a persistent challenge in Ghana, particularly in mining-rich regions such as the Western Region.
The practice, which often involves unlicensed individuals extracting minerals without regard for environmental or safety regulations, has caused widespread environmental degradation.
The pollution of rivers, deforestation, and the destruction of fertile land are some of the dire consequences that have prompted the authorities to take stronger actions against those involved in such activities.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to fighting the illegal mining menace, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, and maintaining peace and order within the communities under its jurisdiction.
The Western Central Regional Police Command emphasized that such operations would continue as part of their ongoing efforts to rid the country of illegal mining activities, which pose both an environmental and economic threat to the nation.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
