News
Anti-galamsey Operations: 23 suspects arrested, 64 Chanfang machines disabled
The Ghana Police Service has deepened its crackdown on illegal mining through targeted, intelligence-led operations in the Western Region, resulting in the arrest of 23 suspects and the disabling and retrieval of various mining equipment.
In the Wassa Akropong District, police arrested twenty-three (23) suspects during operations along the Wassa Akropong–Japa–Dadieso road. The team also extended operations to the Obeng Mining Group site at Wassa Japa, where sixty-four (64) changfan machines were disabled.
At Wassa Dominase, officers responded to intelligence on illegal mining near the Goil and Energy Oil filling stations along the Agona Amenfi–Gyedua Kesse Junction road. Seven (7) changfan machines and washing boards were disabled. Three (3) water pumping machines and one (1) pickaxe were retrieved.
In a separate operation in Asankrangwa, police acted on information about illegal mining near the 1D1F building along the Asankra Saah–Asankra Kwabeng road, retrieving three (3) water pumping machines and four (4) motorbikes.
All suspects are in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
At least six people have been confirmed dead following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra today, November 12, 2025, during an ongoing military recruitment exercise according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)
“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede nrinr to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today Wednesday 12 November 2025 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” GAF confirmed in a statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of scheduled screening surge of applicants hours.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals,” the statement revealed.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched simultaneous joint operations in parts of the Ashanti, Volta and Ahafo regions to arrest persons linked to recent attacks on anti-galamsey teams and other security officials.
The swoops, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, are taking place in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise is intelligence-led and targets individuals suspected of attacking members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), some police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The Armed Forces and Police warned that anyone who tries to obstruct security operations, especially anti-galamsey activities, will face the full force of the law.
They assured residents in the affected areas that enough security measures have been taken to protect innocent citizens and urged them to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
The statement commended civil society groups, the media and members of the public for condemning the recent attacks on security personnel and encouraged continued cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.
By: Jacob Aggrey
