In a major operation led by the Ghana Police Service, twenty-six people have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—within a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region. The arrests are part of a broader national initiative to fight the environmental destruction caused by unregulated mining across the country.

The raid was intelligence-led and executed by the Police Intelligence Directorate, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Operations Directorate (NOD), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU). Officers stormed the mining site after receiving credible information about ongoing illicit activities in the area.

Among the arrested were eight Chinese nationals and eighteen Ghanaians. The suspects were reportedly operating within a protected forest reserve, causing extensive environmental harm. According to police sources, the illegal concession is believed to be linked to Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi—a figure whose name has often been associated with galamsey discussions.

The police described the destruction as alarming. Large parts of the forest had been cleared, and water bodies were contaminated with mining waste. Once thriving with greenery and wildlife, the reserve now shows visible signs of environmental degradation.

During the operation, police retrieved a cache of tools and equipment used in the illegal mining activities. Seized items included six pump-action guns with more than 150 rounds of 3AA cartridges, six water pumping machines, three excavators, three payloaders, six machetes, two Toyota pickup trucks, and a Toyota RAV4.

All suspects are in custody and are expected to appear in court soon. This operation forms part of a renewed nationwide campaign to combat illegal mining, with strong backing from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno. Authorities say the initiative reflects Ghana’s commitment to protecting its natural environment and holding illegal operators accountable.

The clampdown is also seen as a step toward restoring the country’s damaged ecosystems, many of which have been severely affected by the activities of unlicensed miners. The operation sends a strong signal that enforcement agencies are determined to stop the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water sources.

Illegal mining remains a significant challenge for Ghana, with concerns about foreign involvement and the availability of weapons to unregulated groups. The recent arrests are expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s environmental resources and ensure the rule of law prevails.