Police seize excavators in anti-galamsey raid in Samreboï

In a bold move against illegal mining, a specialized police task force has intercepted and confiscated four excavators, two of which were being transported under the protection of armed individuals believed to be military personnel.

The operation, spearheaded by the Police Service’s Special Operations Unit, was initiated after actionable intelligence pointed to the movement of illicit mining machinery outside Samreboï, in Ghana’s Western Region.

According to ACP Eric Asiedu, Director of Special Operations at the Police Headquarters, the operation was executed swiftly and precisely, under the leadership of ASP Mr. Adorye.

The officers traced and stopped two low-bed trucks, each loaded with an excavator, suspected to be en route to an illegal mining site.

Earlier in the day, the same police unit had conducted a successful raid at a sprawling illegal mining site in Akani, a village near Asankragua, where nine suspects were apprehended and several pieces of mining machinery seized.

The twin operations form part of the Police Administration’s ongoing commitment—under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)—to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and to preserve the country’s dwindling natural resources.

All excavators and mining equipment seized during the raids have been secured as evidence, pending further investigation.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities or affiliations of the armed men seen escorting the equipment, but the situation has raised concerns about possible complicity by state security actors.

The police have reaffirmed their resolve to pursue and dismantle illegal mining networks across the country, and have urged the public to report suspicious mining activities in their communities.