The Western Regional Police Command has arrested 11 individuals for operating unlicensed mining sites along the Bonsa River and Wassa Agona in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
The arrests, made on March 30, 2025, are part of Ghana’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to devastate water bodies, farmlands, and local communities.
Details of the Arrests
The arrests and dismantling of these galamsey sites are as follows;
At Bonsa River Bank Site – 5 Suspects
- Wei Qinwei – 43 years.
- Yao Yongji – 40 years.
- Nsoh Oto (alias Agologo) – 43 years.
- Kwadwo George (alias Sergio) – 20 years.
- Emmanuel Van (alias Atta/AT) – 20 years.
At Wassa Agona Site – 6 Suspects
- Nuang Shichuan – 46 years.
- Huang Xinbao – 52 years.
- Douglas Ayambilla – 19 years.
- Elvis Aborta – 21 years.
- Michael Tettey Komlorm – 34 years.
- Ibrahim Dauda – 23 years.
Below are images of some of the suspects.
Seized Equipment & Mine Dismantling
- Three excavators, water pumps, and mining tools seized.
- Two major illegal mining sites dismantled.
- Several other mining equipment remain unaccounted for as some operators fled.
Despite the arrests, some heavy-duty equipment remains unaccounted for, as operators fled upon seeing law enforcement officers.
Officials cite difficult terrain and well-coordinated escape tactics as key challenges in recovering all illegal mining assets.
Environmental & Economic Impact
The Bonsa River, a vital water source for nearby communities, has suffered severe pollution and siltation due to illegal mining.
The government, through the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on galamsey and pledged to intensify enforcement operations.
Law Enforcement & Next Steps
Speaking on the arrests, Western Regional Police Commander DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur stated:
“Illegal mining is destroying our water bodies and environment. These arrests signal our commitment to eradicating galamsey.
The suspects will be prosecuted, and we are pursuing those still at large.”
Below is a post made by the Ghana Police Service;
The suspects will be arraigned before court under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), facing potential penalties such as:
⚖ Fines between GH¢30,000 and GH¢180,000.
⚖ Imprisonment of up to 25 years.
⚖ Forfeiture of seized mining equipments.
The Police, EPA, and Minerals Commission urge the public also to report illegal mining activities and assist in tracking fugitive operators.
By: J.W Quarm
