The Western Central Police Command has arrested 22 individuals in connection with illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, in the Western Region. The arrests took place on April 8, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation targeting mining hotspots in areas such as Dominase Nkwanta and Adjakaa Manso.
Deputy Western Central Regional Commander, ACP Bismark Agyapong, who briefed the press, revealed that the police retrieved a number of mining tools from the sites.
“The police team retrieved eleven (11) pumping machines, seven (7) shovels, a pickaxe, and two (2) changfang machines from the various sites,” he stated. He confirmed that all suspects are in police custody and “are being processed to face the full rigours of the law.”
The arrested individuals have been arraigned before the Asankrangwa District Court and remanded to assist in ongoing investigations. Those in custody include Albert Adu Bonsra, Stephen Kwakye, Richard Atigah, Yaw Menanyi, Al-Mustapha Alidu, and sixteen others aged between 19 and 30. The police have reiterated their commitment to combating illegal mining, which continues to pose significant environmental and security threats across the region.
