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On May 19, 2025, the Western Central Regional Police Command conducted a significant anti-galamsey operation in Wassa Gyapa in the Western Region, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspected illegal miners and the destruction of nearly 120 changfang machines.
According to reports, the suspects—all men—were operating without the required authorization and seriously damaging local forest reserves and water bodies.
Stephen Tetteh, Yaw Dalame, Samuel Amoah, Kwame Oppong, Francis Oduom, Owusu Asare, Atta Kwame, Apiyanga Emmanuel, Kojo Montanakito, Maxwell Owusu, Obofo Vincent, and Soogal Fataw are among those who were taken into custody.
Six motorcycles that were allegedly used to deliver supplies and workers to the mining site were seized as well by the police.
The actions of illegal miners, according to the residents of Wassa Gyapa, have ruined large farmlands and negatively impacted the area’s water quality.
“Our rivers are no longer fit for human consumption. One farmer said, “The contaminated water makes our kids sick a lot.”
Police sources claim that the operation was a part of a larger campaign to stop “galamsey” activities in the area, which have been connected to health risks and environmental degradation.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the accused were arraigned facing of the Tarkwa Circuit Court in order to face charges pertaining to environmental infractions and illicit mining.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
