In a major operation to stop illegal mining, the Ghana Police arrested twenty-six people at a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region.

This targeted raid is part of a renewed national effort to fight galamsey. The Police Intelligence Directorate led the operation with support from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Operations Directorate (NOD), and the Formed Police Unit (FPU).

Officers stormed the site after receiving credible intelligence. They arrested eight Chinese nationals and eighteen Ghanaians who were allegedly working deep inside the protected forest.

The site is reportedly connected to Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi. His name often appears in illegal mining debates in Ghana.

The scene showed severe environmental damage. Large sections of the forest were bare, and water bodies were polluted with sludge from mining.

Police seized several tools and machines used in the activity. Items recovered included six pump-action guns with over 150 rounds of 3AA cartridges, six water pumping machines, three excavators, three payloaders, six machetes, two Toyota pickup trucks, and one Toyota RAV4.

All suspects remain in police custody and will face the court soon.

Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno is leading the charge to restore Ghana’s natural resources. He continues to push for accountability and long-term solutions.

This successful raid marks another step in Ghana’s broader campaign to end galamsey and protect the environment.