Five individuals, including three Chinese nationals, have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities in Ghana’s Central North Region. The arrests were made on April 7, 2025, during a targeted operation led by the Central North Police Regional Command’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce.
The two Ghanaian suspects have been identified as Duut Kwabena Sakakba (38) and Douglas Nyamekye (36). The Chinese nationals are Ma Jian (37), Ma Young (31), and Ma Haibi (54). All five are currently in police custody and are expected to be formally charged in court.
During the operation, police discovered two heavy-duty excavators actively in use. The machines were abandoned at the site after operators fled with the ignition keys. Their chassis numbers were recorded as SY 6HK1-XABEA-01-C3 and SWE365E00762, and authorities are working to trace their owners.
In addition, a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with registration GE 2743-13 was found at the site and impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have stated that this operation is part of broader efforts to curb the growing problem of illegal mining, which continues to pose environmental and economic challenges in Ghana. Further crackdowns are expected in the region.
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