- IGP orders full-scale operation after JoyNews reports on illegal mining
- Wassa Gyapa, Dadieso, and Ntwentwena named as mining hotspots
- 13 suspects arrested; over 120 changfang machines destroyed
The Inspector General of Police has launched a major crackdown on illegal gold mining in Wassa Gyapa, following persistent investigative reports by JoyNews highlighting the escalating threat.
Since 2023, the Wassa communities of Gyapa, Dadieso, and Ntwentwena have emerged as major illegal mining hubs, with residents digging large pits in residential areas and along key roadways. The Ayamfuri-Diaso road has been particularly impacted, now described by police as a “notorious illegal mining criminal zone.”
Prompted by a report from JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor, the IGP, Mr. Tetteh Yohuno, ordered a comprehensive police operation to dismantle illegal mining operations, particularly those encroaching on the Ayamfuri road.
The raid was led by Vitus Napen from the Asankragua Divisional Police Headquarters and Chief Superintendent William Jabialu, under the oversight of ASPOL/OPS/WCR Mr. De-Ben Edem Selassie. They were supported by a team of eight senior officers and 92 personnel.
The team targeted illegal mining sites about 500 meters off the Kumasi-Tarkwa highway. During the operation, officers arrested 13 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.
The suspects include:
- Nana Ampadu, 58
- Stephen Tetteh, 18
- Yaw Dalame, 23
- Samuel Amoah, 20
- Kwame Oppong, 19
- Francis Oduom, 18
- Owusu Asare, 36
- Atta Kwame, 18
- Apiyanga Emmanuel, 28
- Kojo Montanakito, 23
- Maxwell Owusu, 19
- Obofo Vincent, 22
- Soogal Fataw, 19
In addition to the arrests, over 120 changfang machines used in illegal mining were destroyed, and six motorbikes were seized.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Tarkwa Circuit Court on May 20, 2025. The confiscated motorbikes will be used as evidence in court.
Police have pledged to continue the enforcement exercise until illegal mining is fully eradicated from the area. The five-hour operation ended at 3:30 p.m. without any reported incidents.
