Galamsey Crackdown: Over 1,300 Arrested, 425 Excavators Seized – Lands Minister
Lands Minister Updates Nation on Sweeping Anti-Galamsey Measures
- 1,345 arrested, 425 excavators and machines seized in anti-galamsey operations
- Forestry Commission leads with 286 arrests and bulk of equipment confiscations
- Multi-agency collaboration fuels crackdown on illegal mining
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced significant progress in the government’s intensified fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Over 1,345 individuals have been arrested and 425 excavators seized since the latest nationwide operation began.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister said the multi-agency crackdown is delivering results, with several prosecutions already underway and more expected. He indicated that the Attorney General would soon provide a comprehensive update on the legal proceedings.
A major contributor to the enforcement effort has been the Forestry Commission, which accounted for 286 arrests and a large portion of the equipment confiscated. Items seized under their operations include 177 excavators, 4 bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorbikes, 155 pumping machines, 185 chamfan machines, 15 gold detectors, and 10 heavy-duty generators.
“These figures underscore the level of coordination and commitment by state agencies in combating illegal mining activities,” Minister Buah stated, emphasizing the government’s resolve to protect forest reserves and water bodies from further destruction.
The crackdown reflects a renewed national commitment to environmental preservation and enforcement of mining regulations, with the public now looking to the Attorney General for further legal action against the offenders.
