A special joint anti-galamsey operation led by the Mankranso District Police Command and the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly has resulted in the seizure of five heavy excavators and multiple firearms in a major crackdown on illegal mining in the Mpasaaso and Achiase communities.

The operation, carried out on Monday, June 2, 2025, forms part of intensified efforts by local authorities to stem the destructive activities of illegal miners in the Ashanti Region.

According to a statement signed by DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the raid targeted active illegal mining sites, where several miners were found engaging in unauthorized operations. Upon spotting the security team, the miners reportedly fled the area, abandoning equipment and weapons.

A subsequent search of the abandoned sites uncovered:

• One (1) CAL 9mm pistol loaded with 3 rounds of live ammunition
• Four (4) pump-action guns
• Twelve (12) live BB cartridges
• Five (5) live AA cartridges
• Five (5) excavators

The excavators have since been impounded and secured at the premises of the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, while the weapons and ammunition are in the custody of the Mankranso District Police Command for further investigations.

Authorities suspect the illegal miners may have had armed protection, raising further concerns about the growing criminal networks behind illegal mining in Ghana’s forest zones.

Some of the excavators seized

“The Regional Police Command commends all officers and stakeholders involved in this successful operation. We urge the general public to support law enforcement by providing credible information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of persons involved in these illegal mining activities,” DSP Ahianyo said in the release.

This operation comes amid growing national concern over the environmental degradation and water pollution caused by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.” Local residents and environmental advocates have repeatedly called on government and security agencies to act decisively to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

Monday’s raid adds to the momentum of the fight against galamsey, as security agencies ramp up surveillance and tactical interventions in identified hotspots across the country.