In a major clampdown on illegal mining activities, an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Service, acting on behalf of the Forestry Commission, resulted in the seizure of excavators and the arrest of several individuals linked to unlawful mining operations allegedly run by Akonta Mining, a company believed to be associated with the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

The operation, which took place on the eve of Good Friday, followed a working visit by officials from the Forestry Commision and the Police to the Ashanti Region and targeted six illegal mining sites within the Samreboi area.

The raid lasted for over 12 hours, beginning at 5:00 AM, and led to the arrest of six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and eighteen Ghanaians suspected of engaging in illegal mining.

Authorities also seized:
• Eight (8) excavators, with five others abandoned at their sites due to mobility issues,
• Two Toyota Hilux pick-up vehicles,
• One Toyota RAV4,
• Four motorbikes, and
• A cache of mining equipment.

This successful operation has been widely praised, with commendation going to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the Inspector General of Police for their unwavering support and commitment.

“All arrested individuals were immediately transported to Accra for further investigations and prosecution,” officials confirmed.

The Forestry Commission emphasized that the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, is far from over. “We must protect our water bodies, forest reserves, and preserve the earth. This is an ongoing battle, and we have no intention of giving up,” one official said.

This latest development marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader effort to clamp down on illegal mining and preserve Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.