E/R: Police Arrest 27, Seize Excavators and Weapons in Anti-Galamsey Operation at Ankaase Gyadam
Operation targets illegal miners in Eastern Region; 11 excavators, weapons, and vehicles impounded as 27 suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations.
- 27 suspects arrested for illegal mining at Ankaase Gyadam
- Police seized 11 excavators, weapons, and several vehicles
- Suspects attempted to resist arrest with machetes and tools
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of twenty-seven (27) individuals in a high-impact anti-illegal mining operation at Ankaase Gyadam near Asamang Tamfoe in the Eastern Region.
In a statement shared via the Service’s official Facebook page, the police disclosed that the operation, carried out on Friday, July 25, 2025, was intelligence-led and specifically targeted illegal mining sites.
The suspects—all men—were apprehended while actively engaged in galamsey activities.
Some of the arrested individuals attempted to resist arrest and attacked officers with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
During the raid, the police impounded a significant amount of equipment including:
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11 excavators
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1 bulldozer
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1 pump-action shotgun
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3 saloon cars
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1 Mitsubishi pickup truck
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1 pick loader
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Several water pumps and mining tools
According to the Police all suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations. “The seized items are being held in secure storage as evidence.”
This operation forms part of a renewed crackdown on illegal mining activities, which continue to pose environmental and security threats across Ghana.
