Ghanaian authorities have arrested 26 people, including eight Chinese nationals, in a major raid targeting illegal mining operations—commonly known as galamsey—deep within a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region.
The intelligence-led operation, part of a renewed nationwide clampdown on the environmentally destructive practice, was carried out by the Police Intelligence Directorate, the CID, National Operations Directorate, and the Formed Police Unit. The targeted site is reportedly linked to Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako—better known as Chairman Wontumi—a prominent figure frequently mentioned in illegal mining controversies.
When officers arrived at the site, they discovered a ravaged landscape: lush forestland stripped bare, and polluted waterways clogged with toxic mining waste. The police confiscated a trove of equipment and weapons, including six pump-action guns, over 150 rounds of ammunition, three excavators, multiple water pumps, and three vehicles, including a Toyota RAV4.
Photos of the site paint a grim picture of environmental destruction—scorched earth where there was once greenery.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in the coming days.
This operation is part of a broader push led by Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno to confront illegal mining head-on. With Ghana’s forests and rivers increasingly under threat, law enforcement says the time for decisive action is now.
Source:TheDotNews