In a decisive operation near Samreboi in the Western Region, the Ghana Police have arrested 26 individuals for engaging in illegal mining within a protected forest reserve.
The intelligence-led operation, part of a renewed nationwide crackdown on galamsey, was coordinated by the Police Intelligence Directorate in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Operations Directorate (NOD), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU).
Acting on credible intelligence, police stormed the site and apprehended 18 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals allegedly operating deep within the forest reserve. The targeted concession is reportedly linked to Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—a figure frequently mentioned in public discourse on illegal mining.
The raid revealed severe environmental damage: swathes of deforested land and polluted water bodies, once part of a thriving ecosystem, now bear the marks of extensive degradation.
Police retrieved a cache of tools and equipment used in the operation, including six pump-action guns with over 150 rounds of 3AA cartridges, six water pumping machines, three excavators, three payloaders, six machetes, two Toyota pickup trucks, and a Toyota RAV4.
The suspects are in custody and will be arraigned in the coming days
This operation signals a renewed commitment by the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to combat illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.
