At least, fifty-six (56) individuals have been arrested and handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for their involvement in illegal mining activities in Kadadwen, and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality respectively.
This crackdown, sanctioned by Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, is part of a targeted operation being carried out by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to combat illegal mining activities in the region.
The region has recorded devastating environmental damage through these illegal activities causing serious impact on communities.
In addition to the arrests, about 25 changfang machines used to wash and trap gold, were seized in the process and destroyed by the security forces .
The operation, as noted by the Western Regional Minister, is a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining in the Western Region.
The arrest of the suspects was orchestrated by the security services through a joint operation conducted on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
It was carried out by personnel from the Western Naval Command, Second Infantry Battalion, and police service all put together by Joseph Nelson to handle the operations in the Western Region.
The operation, successfully carried out, targeted illegal miners in specific areas, including the farmlands of Ghana Rubber Estate Company Ltd (GREL) North Palm oil plantation farm lands, Kada Dwen, and parts of the Mpohor District.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the arrest of the 56 individuals from 7 different groups, comprising of 47 males and 9 females from Kadadwen in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
Additionally, security personnel successfully burnt 25 Changfang machines and seized various equipments, including, 3 motorbikes, 9 pumping machines, 3 excavators and 3 pay-loaders from Ahanta West Municipality and Mpohor Districts respectively.
Brigadier General Musah Whajah (rtd) , the Liaison Officer of National Security detailed by Chairman of (REGSEC) led the operation.
Subsequently, he expressed concerns about the devastating impact of these illegal mining activities and vowed to take action on the orders of the Minister against its spread in the region.
“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 and prosecution.
Joseph Nelson has meanwhile indicated that he would leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with perpetrators of these land degradation and pollution of water bodies in the region.
