BY Grace Zigah
In a major crackdown on illegal mining, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 15 individuals suspected of engaging in galamsey operations at two notorious hotspots—Watreso and Preacher Krom—near Manso Adubia in the Amansie South District.
The arrests were made during a targeted intelligence-led operation, part of a broader effort by the Ghana Police Service and other state agencies to combat the devastating environmental impact of illegal mining across the country.
The operation, conducted earlier this week, was based on credible intelligence regarding the activities of illegal miners in the forest zones of Manso Adubia.
The 15 suspects are: Tahiru Ibrahim (24), Shaibu Idrissu (23), Boateng Emmanuel (27), Jamon Kwaku Samuel (21), Yaro Patrick (29), Kofi Boakye (21), Gubong Mathew (45), Fatawu Zackari Seidu (26), Abdul Malik Seidu (22), Dauda Tahiru (23), Sampson Grace (21), Boolangkpuo Freda (24), Arima Hagar (26), Kwarteng Vasco (30), and Kwame Adutwum (24).
Authorities also retrieved a large cache of equipment and weapons used in the operations.
Seized from the sites were two excavator control boards, two automatic pump-action guns, two Musler 12 firearms, 59 BB cartridges, three AA cartridges, one water pumping machine, two power generators, one vulcanizing machine, and an Apsonic motorbike.
These materials are believed to have been used in illegal small-scale mining and for security at the sites.
Police officials confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The seized items have been retained as exhibits to support prosecution.
A Region Under Siege
Manso Adubia and its surrounding communities have long been identified as illegal mining flashpoints in the Region.
The area is rich in mineral deposits, particularly gold, and has seen a persistent influx of unauthorized miners, often operating with impunity due to the vast and remote forested terrain.
Despite government interventions such as Operation Vanguard and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, galamsey continues to thrive in parts of Ashanti, Western, and Eastern Regions, causing significant environmental degradation, pollution of water bodies, and destruction of arable lands.
In recent months, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and environmental activists have intensified calls for more concrete actions to root out illegal mining and bring perpetrators to justice.
The latest arrests are seen as a boost to law enforcement efforts but also highlight the scale of the challenge ahead.
Looking Ahead
The Ashanti Regional Police say investigations are ongoing and have assured the public of their commitment to uproot illegal mining networks.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on policymakers to implement sustainable land and mineral management reforms and to provide alternative livelihoods for youths in mining-prone communities.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
