Thirteen people have been picked up by the police and 13 excavators taken away after a special operation against illegal mining at Aboifie, near Samreboï in the Western Region on April 21, 2025.

The police acted based on strong information and found the machines working in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve — an area that is supposed to be protected.

When they searched the excavators, they also found two pump-action guns and a single-barrel gun hidden inside.

Those arrested are now in police custody and helping with investigations. The authorities say they are serious about stopping illegal mining and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

More arrests and machine seizures could happen as the operation continues.