Police arrest 23 in anti-galamsey operations in Wassa, seize 64 changfans

The Ghana Police Service has arrested 23 suspects and disabled 64 changfan mining machines during a series of operations against illegal mining in the Western Region.

The operations, which took place between June 20 and June 22, 2025, were carried out in the Wassa Akropong District, Wassa Dominase, and Asankrangwa.

According to the Police, the actions form part of a broader effort to address illegal mining in various parts of the country.

At Wassa Akropong, officers arrested twenty-three persons during operations along the Wassa Akropong to Japa to Dadieso road.

The team later moved to the Obeng Mining Group site at Wassa Japa, where they disabled 64 changfan machines believed to be used in unlawful mining activities.

In another operation at Wassa Dominase, the Police responded to intelligence concerning illegal mining near the Goil and Energy Oil filling stations along the Agona Amenfi to Gyedua Kesse Junction road.

Seven changfan machines and washing boards were destroyed, while three water pumping machines and one pickaxe were retrieved.

A separate team also intervened at Asankrangwa, where they received information about mining activities taking place close to the One District One Factory project building along the Asankra Saah to Asankra Kwabeng road.

Officers retrieved four motorbikes and three water pumping machines from that location.

All 23 suspects are currently in custody and assisting the Police with investigations.

The Police said it would continue to rely on intelligence to respond to illegal mining activities, especially in areas where such operations pose risks to public safety, infrastructure, and nearby communities.