Galamsey: Police arrest 10 suspects near Nimiri Forest in Samreboi

The Ghana Police Service has arrested ten (10) individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful mining operations along the Nimiri Forest near Samreboi in the Western Region.

The operation, which took place earlier this week, led to the impoundment of significant equipment and vehicles believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities. Among the items seized at the site were six (6) excavators, four (4) motorbikes, two (2) Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, and one (1) Toyota RAV4 vehicle.

In addition to the heavy machinery and vehicles, the police also recovered a cache of weapons and other mining-related tools. These included four (4) pump action guns, one (1) single barrel gun, fifty-four (54) live BB cartridges, and eight (8) pumping machines, all believed to have been used in the operations or for security by the illegal miners.

All ten suspects are currently in police custody. Authorities have confirmed that the individuals will be processed and face the full rigour of the law.

A police spokesperson emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and urged the public to support the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which continues to pose a serious threat to the environment and water bodies across the country.

“The suspects will be taken through due process. We remain resolute in our efforts to bring all perpetrators of illegal mining to justice,” the police assured.

Investigations are ongoing as the authorities work to dismantle any remaining illegal operations in the area and trace the networks involved.