The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 15 suspects during a special intelligence-led operation targeting illegal mining activities at Watreso and Preacher Krom in the Manso Adubia enclave of the Ashanti Region.

According to a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service via its official Facebook page, the operation led to the apprehension of suspects believed to be actively engaged in illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Those arrested include 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).

A significant cache of items suspected to be used in the illegal mining operations was also retrieved from the site. These include:

• Two excavator control boards
• Two automatic pump-action guns
• Two Musler 12 firearms
• Fifty-nine BB cartridges and three AA cartridges
• One water pumping machine
• Two power generators
• One vulcanising machine
• One Apsonic motorbike

All suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. The seized equipment and weapons have been retained as part of the evidence.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating illegal mining and related criminal activities, stating that such operations will continue as part of broader efforts to restore environmental integrity and ensure public safety in mining-prone communities.