Director-General of CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor

The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, has confirmed the arrest of 16 individuals involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, at Akyem Amanase in the Eastern Region.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 30, 2025, she stated that the suspects, including 15 Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian, were apprehended following a petition submitted to the CID Headquarters on June 19, 2025.

DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor further indicated that the suspects have been remanded in police custody.

"All the Chinese nationals have admitted in their respective caution statements that they entered the country on tourist visas and, therefore, do not have permits to work in Ghana.

"All 16 suspects were arraigned before the Circuit Court 2 in the Eastern Region and remanded into lawful custody to reappear on July 3, 2025,” she said.

She reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to protecting the country’s environment and upholding the law.

“We will continue working with all relevant institutions to curb illegal mining," DCOP Donkor added.

JKB/MA

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