Security forces crack down on illegal mining in Western Region: 56 arrested

Fifty-six individuals were arrested on Thursday and handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for their involvement in illegal mining activities 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) to combat illegal mining in the region. 

It was jointly carried out by personnel from the security services, led by Brigadier-General (rtd) Musah Whajah, the Liaison Officer of National Security. Those arrested comprised 47 males and nine females.

In addition to the arrests, approximately 25 changfang machines used to extract and wash gold were seized and subsequently destroyed by the security forces.

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, including farmlands belonging to Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), Norpalm oil plantation, Kadadwen, and parts of the Mpohor District.

He further revealed that security personnel successfully burned 25 changfang machines and seized various equipment, including three motorbikes, nine pumping machines, three excavators, and three pay-loaders from the Ahanta West Municipality and Mpohor District.

Expressing concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining, Brigadier-General (rtd) Whajah affirmed that action would be taken on the Minister’s orders 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, a joint Rapid Response Team from the Tarkwa and Takoradi Forest Districts of the Forestry Commission arrested eight illegal miners and seized seven motorcycles and three tricycles from the Subri Forest Reserve on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has assured the public that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will leave no stone unturned in dealing 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.