–BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ghana Police have stepped up their efforts to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in the Western Region.
In a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations, the police arrested 23 suspects and disabled or retrieved various mining equipment, including changfan machines, water pumping machines, and motorbikes.
The operations were conducted in several locations, including the Wassa Akropong District, where police arrested the 23 suspects along the Wassa Akropong-Japa-Dadieso road.
Additionally, the team extended their operations to the Obeng Mining Group site at Wassa Japa, where 64 changfan machines were disabled.
This is part of a broader initiative by the police to address the environmental and social impacts of galamsey.
At Wassa Dominase, police responded to intelligence about illegal mining near the Goil and Energy Oil filling stations along the Agona Amenfi-Gyedua Kesse Junction road.
During the operation, seven changfan machines and washing boards were disabled, and three water pumping machines and one pickaxe were retrieved.
In a separate operation in Asankrangwa, police acted on information about illegal mining near the 1D1F building along the Asankrangwa Saah-Asankra Kwabeng road, retrieving three water pumping machines and four motorbikes.
The Ghana Police Service has been working to combat galamsey in the region, with previous operations resulting in significant arrests and seizures.
In May, 17 suspects, including seven Chinese nationals, were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities at Samreboi.
In April, a four-day operation led to the arrest of 47 suspects and the seizure of 17 excavators, among other equipment.
