Eight Arrested in Anti-Galamsey Operation at Oseikokrom; Excavator, Vehicles and Firearm Seized
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has arrested eight persons, including a Chinese national and seven Ghanaians, during a major anti-illegal mining operation at Oseikokrom in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, which forms part of intensified efforts by authorities to clamp down on illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey, led to the seizure of an excavator, several vehicles believed to have been used for the illegal operations, and a firearm.
According to information gathered, the suspects were allegedly engaged in unlawful mining activities in the area when the task force stormed the site. The operation was carried out following intelligence reports about ongoing environmental destruction and unauthorized mining activities in the community.
Security personnel involved in the exercise reportedly confiscated heavy-duty mining equipment and other items believed to be connected to the illegal operations. The excavator seized at the site is expected to be used as evidence in ongoing investigations.
Authorities say the suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to identify other individuals linked to the operation.
The government has in recent years intensified the fight against illegal mining due to its devastating impact on water bodies, forest reserves, farmlands and local communities across the country. Several anti-galamsey operations have been conducted in parts of the Ashanti, Western, Eastern and Western North regions as part of the national campaign to protect the environment.
Officials of the Secretariat have reiterated their commitment to sustaining the crackdown on illegal mining and warned that both Ghanaians and foreign nationals found engaging in unlawful mining activities will face the full rigours of the law.
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