A joint security operation in the Western Region has resulted in the arrest of 56 individuals involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The operation, conducted by personnel from the Second Infantry Battalion, the Police, and the Western Naval Command, took place on Thursday, March 13, in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
According to sources, the joint forces raided seven galamsey sites at Kadadwen, apprehending 47 males and 9 females. The suspects have been handed over to the Western Regional Police Command for further action.
In a related development, the joint forces also extended their operation to the Ahanta West Municipality and the Mpohor District, where they seized various equipment, including motorbikes, pumping machines, and excavators. Additionally, 25 Changfang machines were destroyed.
The crackdown on galamsey is part of the government’s efforts to combat the illegal mining menace, which has been blamed for environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.