The Inspector General of Police has ordered a major raid on illegal gold mining operations in Wassa Gyapa, following persistent reports by JoyNews on the growing menace.

The Wassa communities of Gyapa, Dadieso, and Ntwentwena have, since 2023, become hotspots for illegal mining activity, with residents digging massive pits in homes and along major roads.

The Ayamfuri-Diaso road has been especially affected, with large excavations turning the area into what police now describe as a “notorious illegal mining criminal zone.”

Acting on a post by JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor, the IGP, Mr. Tetteh Yohuno, directed a full-scale police operation to dismantle the illegal mining infrastructure in the area and along the main Ayamfuri road.

Led by Vitus Napen of the Asankragua Divisional Police Headquarters and C/Supt. William Jabialu, the anti-galamsey operation was carried out with the supervision of ASPOL/OPS/WCR Mr. De-Ben Edem Selassie. They were supported by eight senior officers and ninety-two personnel.

The operation specifically targeted mining activities approximately 500 meters off the Kumasi-Tarkwa highway.

Officers stormed Wassa Gyapa, arresting 13 suspects believed to be actively engaged in illegal mining.

The arrested individuals are: Nana Ampadu, 58; Stephen Tetteh, 18; Yaw Dalame, 23; Samuel Amoah, 20; Kwame Oppong, 19; and Francis Oduom, 18.

The other are Owusu Asare, 36; Atta Kwame, 18; Apiyanga Emmanuel, 28; Kojo Montanakito, 23; Maxwell Owusu, 19; Obofo Vincent, 22 and Soogal Fataw, 19.

In addition to the arrests, over 120 chanfang machines used for illegal mining were disabled, and six motorbikes were confiscated.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Tarkwa Circuit Court on May 20, 2025.

The seized motorbikes will be presented as evidence.

The police say the operation will be sustained until illegal mining is eliminated from the area. The five-hour operation concluded at 3:30 p.m. without incident.