The fight against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, has gained renewed momentum in the Bono Region following the arrest of eight suspects at the Amomaso Forest near the Berekum Municipality.

According to an official statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the arrests were made on Tuesday, 20 May 2026, after police responded swiftly to a distress call at approximately 4:00 p.m.

The report indicated that local youth in Amomaso had intercepted and apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities within the forest enclave. Acting on the tip-off, a Berekum District Police patrol team was immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers found the suspects already in the custody of the community members. The police subsequently took over the operation, formally re-arresting the individuals and securing items believed to have been used in the illicit activity.

Exhibits retrieved at the scene included a pickaxe, four shovels, a water pumping machine, and a woolen carpet commonly used in gold washing processes tools that authorities say point to active involvement in illegal mining.

The suspects have been identified as Atule Nathaniel, 23; Azusiwine Cletus, 22; Ayaama Thomas, 15; Asigiya Joseph, 23; Aboyinga Aselise, 37; Atanbire Reymond, 20; Isaac Ntim, 46; and Aguya Isaac, 25. They are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Chief Inspector Akeelah noted that processes are underway to prepare the suspects for prosecution, underscoring the command’s commitment to enforcing laws against illegal mining, which continues to pose a serious threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and agricultural lands.

“The Bono Regional Police Command commends the vigilance and cooperation of the Amomaso community,” the statement said. “We urge the general public to remain proactive and report all illegal mining activities to the police to help safeguard our natural resources.”

Illegal mining remains a critical national concern, with authorities ramping up enforcement efforts and community engagement to curb the destructive practice and preserve the country’s ecological future.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region