The environmental and social devastation wrought by illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” has long plagued the Wassa Gyapa community and its surrounding areas. Pits swallowed homes, and roads crumbled under the weight of unchecked excavation. But a recent exposé by JoyNews brought the crisis into sharp focus, prompting immediate action. In response to the damning report, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) swiftly ordered a raid on the heart of the Wassa Gyapa illegal mining hub, aiming to dismantle its operations and restore order.

The police operation, detailed in official statements and corroborated by JoyNews’s on-the-ground reporting, marks a significant step in combating the widespread illegal mining activities that have overtaken the region.

Since 2023, Gyapa, Dadieso, and Ntwentwena have become notorious hotspots for Wassa Gyapa illegal mining, with illegal miners digging brazenly in residential areas and along major thoroughfares. According to the JoyNews report, the miners employed crude and destructive methods, leaving behind a trail of environmental degradation.

The Ayamfuri-Diaso road, a vital artery for the region, has suffered particularly severe damage. Excavations have transformed the area into what authorities describe as a “notorious illegal mining criminal zone.” The JoyNews report visually documented the extent of the damage, showing deep gouges in the road surface and the collapse of entire sections, rendering them nearly impassable.

The turning point came when the IGP, Mr. Tetteh Yohuno, viewed the evidence presented in Erastus Asare Donkor’s post, which highlighted the JoyNews investigation. Appalled by the scale of the destruction, Mr. Yohuno immediately directed a comprehensive raid. The primary objectives were clear: dismantle the infrastructure supporting Wassa Gyapa illegal mining and permanently eliminate illegal mining activities along the crucial Ayamfuri road.

The operation was led by a team of experienced officers, including Vitus Napen and C/Supt. William Jabialu, under the supervision of ASPOL/OPS/WCR Mr. De-Ben Edem Selassie. A substantial force of eight senior officers and ninety-two personnel descended on the target area: the heart of Wassa Gyapa illegal mining, located approximately 500 meters off the Kumasi-Tarkwa highway.

The raid resulted in the apprehension of thirteen suspects, now facing charges related to illegal mining activities. The arrested individuals include Nana Ampadu, Stephen Tetteh, Yaw Dalame, Samuel Amoah, Kwame Oppong, Francis Oduom, Owusu Asare, Atta Kwame, Apiyanga Emmanuel, Kojo Montanakito, Maxwell Owusu, Obofo Vincent and Soogal Fataw. All are expected to face justice in the coming days.

In addition to the arrests, the police operation dealt a significant blow to the operational capacity of the illegal miners. Over 120 chanfang machines, used for alluvial mining, were disabled, effectively halting their activities. Furthermore, six motorbikes, likely used for transportation and reconnaissance, were confiscated.

The arrested suspects are scheduled to be arraigned before the Tarkwa Circuit Court on May 20, 2025. The seized motorbikes will be presented as crucial evidence in the prosecution.

Authorities have made it clear that this raid is not an isolated event. The police have pledged to sustain the operation until illegal mining is completely eliminated from the Wassa Gyapa area. The initial operation lasted for five hours, concluding at 3:30 p.m., signaling a sustained commitment to reclaiming the region from the grip of Wassa Gyapa illegal mining.

The recent events – the JoyNews report exposing the devastation, the swift police raid, the arrests, and the confiscation of equipment – represent a crucial turning point in the fight against Wassa Gyapa illegal mining. While challenges remain, the commitment to eradicating this destructive practice offers a glimmer of hope for the community and the environment.