The Western Central Regional Police Command is intensifying its fight against crime, recording three major arrests in April 2025 in connection with vehicle theft, gold robbery, and illegal mining activities across the Western Region.

In Tarkwa, one Salifu Gariba was arrested for the theft of a Toyota Land Cruiser (PC), registration number GS 1845-23, belonging to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The vehicle was stolen from the residence of an EPA employee in Budo City in the early hours of 15 April. The suspect was intercepted the following day by officers of the Northern Regional Police Command at Kukobila, along the Tamale–Bolgatanga highway. The vehicle was successfully retrieved. Gariba is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

In a separate incident, three suspects linked to a gold robbery in Wassa Afransie were arrested through an intelligence-led operation. The suspects—Felix Adjei, alias Africa or Nana Adjei; Emmanuel Kelvin, a Nigerian national; and Kofi Appiah, alias Kesse—are accused of robbing employees of Mas Palasco Gold Buying Limited of 14 pounds of gold and other valuables worth GHS 199,000.

The incident occurred on 4 April, when the suspects, some of whom were armed, ambushed the company’s vehicle returning from Wassa Ayiem.

The robbery also involved the theft of an unregistered Toyota Corolla, which was later found abandoned. Weapons, ammunition, and a cash amount of GHS 65,000—believed to be proceeds from the robbery—were recovered. All three suspects remain in custody, assisting with further investigations.

Additionally, six individuals were arrested at Bepoakyi near Dompim on 23 April in connection with illegal mining operations. The suspects—Justice Tetteh, Michael Anche, Bismark Gyimah, Ramzy Amoah, Michael Attivor, and Emmanuel Andoh—were apprehended as part of ongoing anti-galamsey operations.

Five excavators used in the mining activity were seized and are currently being held at the Dompim Police Station, pending transfer to the Tarkwa Nsuaem District Assembly.

The Western Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to curbing crime, safeguarding public safety, and protecting the region’s natural resources. Investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.