By Authorities arrested fifty-six individuals on Thursday. They were handed over to the Western Regional Police Command. Their involvement in illegal mining activities occurred in Kadadwen and its environs within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The operation is part of a targeted effort by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC). Their goal is to combat illegal mining in the region.
Personnel from the security services jointly carried it out. Brigadier-General (rtd) Musah Whajah led them. He is the Liaison Officer of National Security. Those arrested comprised 47 males and nine females.
In addition to the arrests, the security forces seized approximately 25 changfang machines. These machines were used to extract and wash gold. They were subsequently destroyed.
According to Brigadier-General (rtd) Whajah, the operation marks a significant step in addressing illegal mining in the Western Region. He stated that the security forces specifically targeted illegal mining sites. These include farmlands belonging to Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), Norpalm oil plantation, Kadadwen, and parts of the Mpohor District.
He further revealed that security personnel took decisive action. They successfully burned 25 changfang machines. Various equipment was seized, including three motorbikes, nine pumping machines, three excavators, and three pay-loaders. This occurred in the Ahanta West Municipality and Mpohor District.
Brigadier-General (rtd) Whajah expressed concerns about illegal mining’s devastating impact. He affirmed that action would be taken on the Minister’s orders. This action aims to curb its spread in the region.
“We made some arrests during today’s operation. This time, we’re taking a different approach. The suspects will be screened by the police, and those found culpable will be put before the court,” he stated.
In a separate operation, the Tarkwa and Takoradi Forest Districts of the Forestry Commission dispatched a joint Rapid Response Team. They arrested eight illegal miners. They seized seven motorcycles and three tricycles from the Subri Forest Reserve. This occurred on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has assured the public of thorough action. The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will leave no stone unturned. They aim to deal decisively with perpetrators of land degradation and pollution of water bodies in the region.
He urged Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining, warning of its devastating impact on the environment.
