IGP Orders Galamsey Crackdown: 30 Suspects Arrested in Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions

Accra, Ghana –
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has launched a renewed crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey) activities, resulting in the arrest of 30 suspects across the Western, Ashanti, and Central Regions.

The operation, which began earlier this week, was carried out by a joint police task force, including officers from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and the Anti-Galamsey Unit, following directives from the IGP to intensify the fight against the environmental and socio-economic devastation caused by illegal mining.

???? Details of the Operation

According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service, the arrests were made during a series of coordinated swoops on known galamsey sites in the three regions. The suspects were apprehended while actively engaging in mining activities without permits, with some attempting to flee upon the arrival of security forces.

Items retrieved from the suspects include:

• Excavators

• Water pumping machines

• Locally made weapons

• Quantities of gold dust and mercury

The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will be processed for prosecution.

???? Environmental Impact and IGP's Directive

The move comes as public pressure mounts on law enforcement agencies to take bold steps in safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves, which have been ravaged by illegal mining operations.

The IGP, in a nationwide briefing, stressed that:

“This operation is not just about arrests. It’s a signal that lawlessness and environmental destruction under the guise of mining will no longer be tolerated. We are committed to protecting the future of this nation.”

???? Public Reaction

The crackdown has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While many Ghanaians have applauded the bold action, some civil society groups have called for sustained enforcement and transparency in prosecuting arrested miners and their financiers.

Local chiefs in some affected communities have also urged the police to ensure that political interference does not derail the efforts, which they believe are long overdue.

⚖️ Next Steps

The Ghana Police Service has indicated that similar operations will continue in other parts of the country, and anyone found to be complicit—regardless of social status—will face the full rigour of the law.