A joint security taskforce led by the Amansie West District Security Council in the Ashanti Region has arrested 22 Burkinabes involved in illegal mining within the area.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 40, were apprehended at Esaase Bontefufuo in the Amansie West District on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Some of the miners managed to escape by running into the bush upon seeing the security operatives.
The operation, which lasted for three hours, was conducted in response to growing concerns over environmental destruction and water pollution caused by illegal mining activities.
Speaking to our reporter on the phone, the District Chief Executive for Amansie West, Prince Morris Manu, stated the suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service and the police for further investigations.
He reiterated their commitment to crack down on illegal miners in the area, emphasising that the destruction caused by illegal miners should not continue.
“We received reports about the destruction caused by mining activities but seeing the situation firsthand has left me heartbroken and shocked. The illegal miners have blocked portions of the river with sand to facilitate their illegal operations, and the damage to the environment is alarming”, he lamented.
He stated that, all the suspects would be screened and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The DCE reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining activities in the district.
