Seventeen people have been arrested in Samreboi in the Western Region for their involvement in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The arrests were carried out on Saturday, May 25, by a special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce from the Ghana Police Service, based at the National Police Headquarters.
Among those arrested are seven Chinese nationals and ten Ghanaians.
The group was immediately transported to Accra to assist with investigations as authorities work to dismantle what they believe is part of a wider network damaging forest reserves and polluting water bodies.
In a statement released after the operation, the Police confirmed that efforts are being intensified not only in Samreboi but also in nearby areas.
Security presence is being increased around forest zones where illegal mining is suspected to be taking place.
“The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in its support for national efforts to combat illegal mining,” the statement read.
Illegal mining continues to be a serious challenge across many parts of Ghana. The environmental consequences have been severe, with rivers turning muddy and forest reserves being destroyed.
Government and law enforcement agencies have, in recent years, ramped up operations to bring perpetrators to justice and protect these critical natural resources.
