A large group of suspects detained after recent joint security operations in the Ashanti, Ahafo and Volta regions has begun making its way through the courts, with the Tafo and Atasemanso Circuit Courts ordering 136 individuals into prison custody.
The group forms part of the 486 people rounded up during a police-military sweep that followed assaults on personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the Environmental Protection Agency. After a round of screenings, the 136 suspects deemed fit for prosecution were presented before the courts. They are expected to return on November 28, 2025.
Officials explained that many others were released on enquiry bail when screening revealed they were not connected to the disturbances. Those freed included travellers who had been forced out of vehicles and later verified their tickets, as well as juveniles, teachers, nurses, students and various professionals taken from their homes.
Security teams have also held 21 foreign nationals who were intercepted while travelling, and they will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further processing, Graphic Online reported.
Because the Kumasi Central Prisons has reached full capacity, 132 of the remanded individuals will be relocated to the Sunyani Central Prisons. Police said arrangements are in place to move them under escort using two Black Maria vehicles.
The arrests stem from coordinated dawn raids carried out last Wednesday at Dadwene, Obuasi and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region and Hwediem, Kenyase, Goaso and Maharni in the Ahafo Region. According to authorities, all the suspects currently in custody are male.
NAIMOS was formed as part of the government of Ghana’s effort to clamp down on illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
