The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service have launched coordinated dawn operations across several communities in the Ashanti, Ahafo and Volta regions following a series of violent attacks on anti-galamsey officials, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officers and journalists.
Security personnel moved into the towns of Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso and Marhani in the Ahafo Region early Wednesday, targeting individuals believed to be behind recent assaults on state agencies combating illegal mining.
According to the military, the raids are intelligence-led and aimed at apprehending those responsible for the coordinated attacks.
The heightened operation was triggered by a November 1 incident in Hwediem, where officials from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were ambushed while on assignment.
During that attack, assailants made away with weapons, ammunition, and two vehicles belonging to the team.
In a separate incident on November 6 at Dadwene, EPA officers and journalists were confronted by armed men posing as law-enforcement officers, forcing the team to withdraw. The retreat led to a collision that left several people injured.
Security services say the raids are necessary to restore order in communities where anti-galamsey teams have faced stiff and increasingly violent resistance.
Hundreds of suspects have reportedly been arrested as the joint team sweeps through locations believed to be harbouring illegal miners and organised gangs linked to the assaults.
The military and police have issued a strong warning to individuals obstructing or threatening officials mandated to enforce mining and environmental regulations, insisting such actions will be met with the full force of the law.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain calm, cooperate with officers and avoid interference with the ongoing operation.
More details on arrests, recoveries and next steps will be released as the operation continues, sources say.
