The Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested eleven individuals, including four Chinese nationals, for engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) along the Bonsa River in Ghana’s Western Region. This operation marks another major step in the country’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, which has devastated water bodies and farmlands.

Key Arrests & Locations:

• Bonsa Site Arrests:
• Wei Qinwei (Chinese)
• Yao Yongji (Chinese)
• Nsoh Oto (alias Agologo) (Ghanaian)
• Kwadwo George (alias Sergio) (Ghanaian)
• Emmanuel Van (alias Atta) (Ghanaian)

• Wassa Agona Site Arrests:
• ✅ Nuang Shichuan (Chinese)
• ✅ Huang Xinbao (Chinese)
• ✅ Douglas Ayambilla (Ghanaian)
• ✅ Elvis Aborta (Ghanaian)
• ✅ Michael Tettey Komlorm (Ghanaian)
• ✅ Ibrahim Dauda (Ghanaian)

Why This Matters: The Devastating Impact of Illegal Mining

Pollution of Ghana’s Water Bodies: Rivers like the Bonsa, Pra, and Ankobra are heavily contaminated with mercury and other chemicals used in illegal mining.

Loss of Farmland & Forests: The destruction of land affects food security and biodiversity, causing long-term environmental damage.

Criminal Activities & Foreign Involvement: The arrest of foreign nationals highlights international involvement in illegal mining operations.

What Happens Next? Police Assure Swift Prosecution

All eleven suspects are in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court soon. The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to combating galamsey, warning that further intelligence-led operations will continue across illegal mining hotspots.

“We are committed to ensuring that illegal miners are brought to justice and that Ghana’s natural resources are protected for future generations.” – Ghana Police Service