The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals for engaging in illegal gold exploration and trading without a licence at Wewe, a village near Banda in the Bono Region.
The suspects, identified as Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro, are nationals of Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Gambia.
According to a statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command on Friday, October 3, 2025, the arrests followed surveillance and intelligence on the group’s activities.
The suspects were picked up on Thursday, October 2, while allegedly carrying out illegal mining and gold trading in the community.
During the operation, the police retrieved GH¢23,450 in cash, raw gold, gold dust, mercury, and a lighter believed to have been used in gold processing. The exhibits have been kept for forensic examination.
Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, said all eight suspects are in custody and assisting investigators. He added that arrangements are being made to put them before court.
Mr Akeelah said the Command will continue to intensify operations against unauthorised mining and related activities in the region.
