A joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission has led to the arrest of 26 individuals in the Western North Region. This operation took place at six illegal mining (galamsey) sites near Samreboi, alleged to be associated with Akonta Mining, a company linked to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
On April 18, 2025, the 12-hour galamsey operation, resulted in the arrest of six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and 18 Ghanaians engaged in what is locally known as “galamsey,” a term for illegal mining activities.
As reported by Ghana Insider News, during the raid, law enforcement officials seized 18 excavators used for mining and transported the arrested individuals to Accra for thorough investigation and potential legal proceedings. However, five of the excavators were left at the site due to “mobility challenges,” according to Elikem Kotoko, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission.
This galamsey operation highlights ongoing efforts by the government of Ghana to clamp down on illegal mining (galamsey), which not only threatens the environment but also undermines legal mining operations and local communities.
In addition to the excavators, other mining equipment, vehicles, and motorbikes at the galamsey sites were confiscated.
Mr. Elikem Kotoko, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission wrote this on his Facebook page: “On the eve of Good Friday, just after wrapping up my working visit to the Ashanti Region, I joined an initiative led by the Forestry Commission Ghana Police Service for an exercise aimed at combating illegal logging in AKONTA MINING (which is believed to be linked to the Ashanti Regional chairman of the NPP popularly known as Chairman Wontumi) in Samreboi, Western North Region.
The exercise resulted in the arrest of 6 Chinese, 2 Koreans and 18 Ghanaians. A total of 8 excavators were also seized along with other illegal mining equipment.
Two Toyota Hilux pick-ups and a Toyota RAV4 loaded with four motorbikes were also seized while some 12hrs and yielded results.
I thank the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Ghana, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the IGP.
We must protect our water bodies, forest reserves and the environment. The act of illegal logging and illegal miners hurts the environment and the people.
Those who were arrested were immediately sent to Accra for onward action.”
