A joint security operation on Saturday, August 1, 2026, has led to the arrest of 15 suspected illegal miners operating dangerously close to the Sanso Methodist Primary and Junior High School in the Obuasi Municipality in the Ashanti Region.
This follows a whistleblower report that alerted authorities to the illegal mining activities.
The operation, which underscores the government’s renewed commitment to combating illegal mining, was carried out by a multi-agency team comprising the National Intelligence and Operations Management System (NIAMOS), National Security, the Four Battalion Team of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Obuasi Divisional Police Command.
The swoop targeted an illegal mining site situated in proximity to the school, where mining activities were said to pose significant environmental, safety, and health risks to pupils, teachers and the surrounding community.
During the operation, the security team arrested 15 individuals suspected to be engaged in illegal mining.
Three excavators allegedly being used for the unlawful operation were confiscated, while other mining equipment found at the site was destroyed to prevent its further use.
Officials say the operation was prompted by credible intelligence received through a whistleblower, highlighting the growing role of community participation in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The security agencies reiterated their determination to clamp down on illegal mining activities, particularly those taking place near schools, water bodies, residential communities, and other sensitive public facilities.
The suspects are expected to assist with ongoing investigations and will be processed in accordance with the law.
The latest operation forms part of sustained efforts by security agencies to protect lives, preserve the environment, and safeguard educational infrastructure from the devastating effects of illegal mining.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to continue providing timely information to support the nationwide campaign against galamsey.
