
The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight foreign nationals for their alleged involvement in illegal gold exploration and trading without a licence at Wewe, a community near Banda in the Bono Region.
The suspects identified as Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba and Alhassan Imoro are nationals of Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Gambia. They were picked up on Friday, 3 October 2025, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance on their activities.
According to a statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeel, the police operation led to the seizure of GHC23,450 in cash, raw gold and gold dust, as well as mercury and lighters believed to have been used in processing the minerals.
“The exhibits have been retained for forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations,” the statement said.
The eight suspects were reportedly caught in the act, engaging in both illegal mining (galamsey) and unlicensed gold trading. They are currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court in the coming days.
The Bono Regional Police Command reaffirmed its determination to clamp down on illegal mining and related criminal activities that threaten the environment and the country’s natural resources. It also urged residents, particularly in mining communities, to share timely information to aid enforcement efforts.
“We will continue to pursue individuals and groups involved in such illegal operations. The public’s cooperation is crucial in protecting our natural resources and ensuring law and order,” the statement added.

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