A combined task force comprising personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces successfully apprehended twelve foreign nationals during a coordinated enforcement sweep in a Western Region forest reserve. The operation aimed to dismantle illegal mining sites that have been linked to the severe pollution of critical water sources in the area.
During the raid security officials discovered several pieces of heavy machinery including excavators and industrial pumping equipment. These items were seized as physical evidence while the mining pits were cordoned off by the joint task force to prevent further unauthorized access to the site.
The suspects were allegedly caught engaging in alluvial mining activities without the necessary environmental permits or mineral licenses required by Ghanaian law. Investigators are currently verifying the immigration status and residential documentation of all twelve individuals as part of the broader inquiry into their activities.
Local authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to the national campaign against illegal mining noting that the destruction of forest reserves poses a significant threat to national ecological security. The suspects remain in custody pending formal charges and an initial appearance before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Government officials stated that the seized equipment will be processed according to national protocols regarding the fight against galamsey. Further operations are expected in the coming weeks as the state intensifies efforts to reclaim degraded lands and protect the remaining natural resources in the Western Region.