The Western Central Regional Police Command has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities, arresting 17 suspects in two separate operations on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

The coordinated operations, conducted at Adamaso and Wassa Mamieso, form part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’.

At Adamaso, 12 individuals were apprehended. The suspects include Abraham Antwi, 26; Jeremiah Adusei, 37; Eric Martey, 41; George Amoah, 45; Misasa Jonas, 25; Larry Ndaaso, 42; Ezekiel Dome, 22; Bismark Adu, 19; Alex Sabla, 34; Godfrey Acheampong, 29; Ebenezer Mensah, 21; and Emmanuel Appiah, 25. During the operation, police seized five pumping machines believed to be used in illegal mining.

In a separate intelligence-led operation along the Mamie River near Wassa Mamieso, five additional suspects were arrested, including Junior Simon, 21; Stephen Tetteh, 30; Samuel Kwarteng, 19; Matthew Wofatey, 20; and Seidu Ayigbe, 30.

Officers also retrieved a “Sunny Excavator 215 Control Board” from the scene.

All 17 suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. The seized equipment has been retained as part of the evidence-gathering process.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling galamsey operations and urged the public to continue cooperating by reporting suspicious mining activities in their communities.