The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals for engaging in illegal gold exploration and trading without a licence at Wewe, a village near Banda in the Bono Region.

The suspects, identified as Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro, all nationals of Nigeria, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

According to the police statement, the suspects were picked up on Thursday, October 2, 2025, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

It added that they were apprehended while actively engaged in illegal mining and gold trading operations in the area.

The statement noted that items retrieved from the suspects included GH₵23,450 in cash, raw gold, gold dust, mercury and a lighter used in gold processing. The exhibits have been retained for forensic examination.

"All eight suspects are currently in Police custody, assisting with investigations. The Bono Regional Police Command is preparing to put them before the court."