A joint security and police operation cracking down on illegal mining in forest reserves near Samreboi in the Western Region has led to the arrest of 21 additional suspects, raising the total number of individuals detained to 47.
The coordinated action, now in its fourth day, targets galamsey activities that have ravaged the environment, particularly along the Tano River and surrounding forest reserves.
The suspects include 39 Ghanaians, eight Chinese nationals, and four Ghanaian women.
Authorities say those apprehended were found actively engaging in illegal mining operations in protected areas that have come under increasing threat from unregulated excavation and pollution.
As part of the operation, security officials also seized 17 excavators and one bulldozer believed to have been used in the destruction of the forest environment. Several firearms and rounds of ammunition were also retrieved from the illegal miners.
The first group of 26 arrested individuals has already been transported to Accra to face prosecution, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.
Security forces remain stationed across affected locations to pursue remaining illegal miners and ensure that mining equipment and camps are completely dismantled.
The operation is part of a broader national campaign to restore Ghana’s forest reserves and safeguard vital water bodies from continued environmental degradation.
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