A joint large-scale operation conducted on Thursday by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission at six illegal mining sites near Samreboi in the Western North Region has led to the arrest of 26 individuals involved in illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey.
According to police sources, the sites are allegedly linked to Akonta Mining, a company reportedly owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The raid resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals, including six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and 18 Ghanaians.
Additionally, 18 excavators used in the illegal mining operations were seized and placed in police custody.
Providing an update on Friday, April 18, 2025, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, revealed that five of the excavators were left behind due to what he described as “mobility challenges.”
“On the eve of Good Friday, just after wrapping up my working visit to the Ashanti Region, I joined an intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Police Serviceon behalf of the Forestry Commission of Ghana in a raid of about six illegal mining sites allegedly belonging to Akonta Mining (which is believed to be owned by 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 taken, while 5 were abandoned at their locations due to mobility challenges,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Other equipment, including three vehicles, motorbikes, and various mining tools, were also seized and taken into custody.
The arrested individuals have been transported to Accra for further investigation and legal action.
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