Fifty-six individuals have been arrested and handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for their involvement in illegal mining activities in Kadadwen, Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
This crackdown is part of a targeted operation by the Western Regional Security Council to combat illegal mining in the region, which has devastating environmental and community impacts.
In addition to the arrests, about 25 changfang machines were seized and destroyed. The operation is a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining in the region.
A joint operation conducted on Thursday, March 13, by personnel from the Western Naval Command, Second Infantry Battalion, and police services in the Western Region.
The operation targeted illegal miners in specific areas, including Site six of Ghana Rubber company Ltd., North Palm oil plantation, Kada Dwen, and parts of the Mpohor District.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the arrest of 56 individuals from 7 different groups, comprising 47 males and 9 females from Kadadwen in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
Additionally, security personnel burn 25 Changfang machines and seized various equipment, including, 3 motorbikes, 9 pumping machines, 3 excavators and 3 pay-loaders from Ahanta West Municipality and Mpohor District.
Brigadier General Musa Whajah, the National Liaison Officer who led the operation, expressed concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining and vowed to take action.
“We made some arrests during today’s operation. This time, we’re taking a different approach. The suspects will be screened by the police, and those found culpable will be put before the court.”he stated.
In a separate operation, a joint Rapid Response Team from the Tarkwa and Takoradi Forest District of the Forestry Commission arrested 8 illegal miners and seized 7 motorcycles and 3 tricycles from the Subri Forest Reserve on Wednesday March 12.
All suspects have been handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for further investigations.
