38 suspected illegal miners have been apprehended by the Eastern South Regional Police Command
Thirty-eight suspected illegal miners have been apprehended by the Eastern South Regional Police Command during an intelligence-led operation at Ntoranang, on the outskirts of New Abirem.
According to a report by citinewsroom.com, the operation took place on February 27, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., targeting individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities within a palm plantation in the area.
The police confirmed that 17 of the suspects are Burkinabe nationals, while 21 are Ghanaians. Among those arrested, nine are juveniles aged between 13 and 17 years.
According to the report, water-pumping machines, power plants, water hoses, and makeshift shelters seized from the site were destroyed by authorities.
All 38 suspects are currently in custody, assisting with investigations, and are expected to be arraigned before the court on Monday, March 2, 2026.
In the meantime, President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to intensify efforts to eradicate illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, with a particular focus on going after the financiers who back these illicit operations.
‘Big fishes who never get caught’ – Mahama signals major galamsey crackdown
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament, the President described illegal mining as a major threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, public health, and national security.
He noted that while enforcement against low-level operators continues, his administration will now prioritise tracking and prosecuting the financial backers behind galamsey.
“Illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to our environment, water bodies, public health, and national security. Mr Speaker, prosecution of persons engaged in illegal mining has been intensified, with a renewed focus on dismantling organised criminal networks behind galamsey operations rather than targeting only the little fish — low-level offenders,” he said.
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AK/BAI
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com