By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
In a massive crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service have arrested over 100 youth at Dadwene, near Obuasi, in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region.
The arrests were part of a larger joint operation dubbed “EPA Galamsey Crush”, which saw coordinated dawn raids in several communities across three regions Ashanti, Ahafo, and Volta.
The simultaneous, intelligence-led operations were conducted in Dadwene and Anwoma in the Ashanti Region; Ehi in the Volta Region; and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
A statement issued by the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces explained that the operation began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and was aimed at arresting individuals linked to recent violent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The statement warned that any individual or group attempting to obstruct lawful operations by the security agencies in their ongoing fight against illegal mining (galamsey) would face the full force of the law.
“The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service wish to caution the public that any attempt to obstruct their operations or any other lawful duty will not be tolerated,” the statement stressed.
The agencies further assured residents within the affected areas that adequate security measures have been put in place to protect law-abiding citizens and maintain calm.
“They are encouraged to remain calm and go about their regular duties without fear or panic,” it added.
The EPA Galamsey Crush operation marks one of the largest joint security exercises in recent months, reflecting government’s renewed commitment to ending illegal mining and safeguarding Ghana’s natural environment from degradation.
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