Security forces raid suspects behind recent anti-galamsey attacks

A joint military and police operation has been launched in parts of the Ashanti, Volta, and Ahafo regions to arrest suspects behind recent attacks on anti-galamsey teams.

The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service said the simultaneous, intelligence-led swoops began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.

According to a joint statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces, the operations target “identified persons involved in the recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team, some Police officers and officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including journalists.”

The statement cautioned that “any individual or group that attempts to obstruct the operations of any of the security services in their anti-galamsey operations or in the performance of any other lawful duty, will face the full force of the law.”

It further assured the public that “adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of well-meaning inhabitants of these towns and communities,” urging residents to “remain calm and go about their regular duties without fear or panic.”

The security agencies also expressed appreciation for public support in their anti-galamsey campaign.

“The Security Services commend civil society groups, the media, and individuals for the massive condemnation on the unwarranted attacks and disruption of activities of the security forces in their anti-galamsey drive and count on the continuous cooperation of the general public,” the release added.

Illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, has long been a major environmental and security concern in Ghana.

The activity, often conducted without proper regulation, has severely polluted rivers such as the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra, destroyed farmlands, and degraded forest reserves.

Despite several government-led crackdowns, including military operations like Operation Vanguard, the problem persists, threatening water security and livelihoods in mining communities.

The latest joint swoops form part of renewed efforts to curb the menace and protect the nation’s natural resources.