A dawn operation targeting illegal mining activities at Wassa-Dadieso in the Western Region has led to the arrest of six suspects and the destruction of more than 135 chanfang machines used in the environmentally harmful practice.
The raid, conducted around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, was spearheaded by Chief Superintendent William Jabialu, the Wassa Akropong District Police Commander. He was supported by five senior officers and a task force of 73 personnel, who arrived in multiple police vehicles.
Police reports indicate that the targeted site, situated approximately 500 meters off the Kumasi-Tarkwa Highway, is a well-known hub for illegal gold mining, locally referred to as galamsey.
However, the difficult terrain—characterized by thick mud and impassable tracks—hindered the movement of police vehicles. As a result, several miners managed to flee by retreating into deep excavation pits.
Despite the difficult conditions, six suspects were successfully apprehended. They have been identified as Eugene Mathew, 20; Inusah Seidu, 38; Jonathan Nyampong, 27; Emmanuel Kakawe, 19; Antwi Stephen, 23; and Gideon Lar, 25.
In addition to the arrests, officers destroyed 135 chanfang machines—diesel-powered dredging equipment commonly used in illegal mining—and seized a motorbike believed to be used by the miners.
This operation forms part of a broader crackdown by law enforcement aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and safeguarding water bodies and farmlands that have been heavily impacted by galamsey.
