As part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities, the Ghana Police Service has arrested 23 individuals during a series of intelligence-led operations in the Western Region.
The operations, focused primarily in the Wassa Akropong District, led to the retrieval and dismantling of 64 pieces of mining equipment, commonly referred to as changfan machines.
According to a statement from the police, the arrests were made along the Wassa Akropong–Japa–Dadieso road. The team also raided the Obeng Mining Group site at Wassa Japa, where 64 changfan machines were seized and disabled.
In a separate action at Wassa Dominase, officers acted on intelligence regarding illegal mining near the GOIL and Energy Oil filling stations along the Agona Amenfi–Gyedua Kesse Junction road. There, seven changfan machines and washing boards were disabled, and three water pumping machines and a pickaxe were retrieved.
Further operations in Asankrangwa were prompted by reports of illegal mining near a 1D1F building along the Asankra Saah–Asankra Kwabeng road. Police recovered three water pumping machines and four motorbikes at the site.
All 23 suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to clamp down on illegal mining, which continues to pose serious environmental and economic threats to the country.
