Ghana Police detain 27 suspects during illegal mining raid in Wassa Amanten, Western Region. Pic: Ghana Police Service
Wassa Amanten, Ghana (Epicstorian News) — Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of 27 individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities—commonly referred to as galamsey—in the Wassa Amanten area of Ghana’s Western Region.
The Western Regional Police Command conducted the operation, which was described as intelligence-led and targeted several unlicensed mining sites in the area.
During the raid, law enforcement officers seized key pieces of equipment used in the illegal mining process. This included one (1) tricycle, one (1) unregistered Boxer motorbike, several water pumping machines, and one (1) changfan machine.
The changfan machine was torched on site as part of enforcement measures to deter future operations.
Ghana Police Seize Equipment During Anti-Galamsey Operation
Police officials confirmed that the seized machinery has been retained as evidence. All 27 suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The arrests reflect the Ghanaian government’s continued efforts to eliminate illegal mining, which has caused widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies across mining regions.
According to the police, such equipment seizures and arrests are critical to breaking the operational flow of illegal miners.
The action aligns with the country’s broader anti-galamsey campaign launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
Western Region Targeted in Latest Ghana Police Anti-Mining Sweep
The operation in Wassa Amanten is one of many recent sweeps in the Western Region, a hotbed of illegal mining activity. Local media and environmental organizations have consistently reported extensive land degradation and river pollution in the area.
As reported by the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency, unregulated mining remains a key threat to both the environment and rural livelihoods. Mercury and other harmful chemicals are often dumped into rivers, severely affecting aquatic life and water quality for nearby communities.
Authorities Pledge Continued Surveillance Against Illegal Mining
A senior officer from the Western Regional Command stated that the Ghana Police Service is committed to sustained enforcement. “We are working closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to ensure environmental laws are upheld,” he said.
The officer added that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and public collaboration are central to dismantling illegal mining networks. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which has pledged increased support for anti-galamsey task forces across the country.
Public Urged to Support Ghana Police Anti-Galamsey Campaign
The Police Service encouraged the public to report any suspected illegal activities through their official Facebook page and regional police units.
Authorities stress that community cooperation is essential in rooting out galamsey operators who often work in remote, hard-to-access areas.
This latest enforcement action is part of a growing list of arrests and equipment seizures aimed at restoring Ghana’s natural ecosystems.
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The government continues to advocate for responsible mining and alternative livelihood programs for those impacted by anti-galamsey interventions, according to the Police Service statement
