Suspects standing behind seized water pumps and equipment during an anti-galamsey operation in Ghana. — Authorities display water pumps, hoses and other equipment seized during an operation targeting illegal mining activities.

Three Arrested in Police Raid on Illegal Mining Site Along Ghana Water Pipeline

Police in Ghana’s Central Region have arrested three suspected illegal miners during an operation targeting a site located along a major Ghana Water Limited pipeline, with officers seizing pumping equipment and other mining tools.

CAPE COAST, Ghana — Police in Ghana’s Central Region have arrested three suspected illegal miners during an operation targeting activities along a major Ghana Water Limited (GWL) pipeline at Efutu near Cape Coast, authorities said. Equipment including 19 water-pumping machines was seized during the raid as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in the area.

The operation was conducted by the Central Regional Police Command following a complaint lodged by Ghana Water Limited concerning suspected illegal mining activity near the pipeline infrastructure. According to police, the operation took place on Monday, June 8, and led to the arrest of three suspects at the site.

Police identified the suspects as 28-year-old Eugene Oppong, 30-year-old Paul Kumash and 25-year-old Amos Beyuo. The three are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators. Authorities said a number of other individuals believed to have been operating at the site fled before officers arrived.

“Most of the miners managed to escape from the scene when the police arrived, leaving their equipment behind,” the police statement said.

Equipment Seized

Police reported recovering a substantial quantity of equipment allegedly used for illegal mining activities. According to the statement, officers seized 19 water-pumping machines fitted with water hoses, four carpet washing machines, seven cutlasses and a wheelbarrow from the site.

Authorities said additional equipment that could not be transported from the location was immobilised and subsequently destroyed to prevent further use. All recovered items have been retained as evidence as investigations continue, police said.

Focus on Critical Infrastructure

The operation highlights continuing concerns about illegal mining, commonly known in Ghana as galamsey, particularly when activities take place close to strategic public infrastructure. The site targeted by police was located along a major Ghana Water Limited pipeline serving communities in the area. While authorities have not disclosed whether the infrastructure suffered damage, the operation followed concerns raised by GWL regarding activities near the pipeline.

Illegal mining has remained a major national issue in Ghana, with authorities repeatedly warning about its impact on water bodies, farmland, forests and public infrastructure. Successive governments have launched operations aimed at curbing unauthorised mining activities, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas and locations linked to water supply systems.

Investigations Continue

The Central Regional Police Command said investigations remain ongoing and that the three suspects are assisting with enquiries. No charges had been publicly announced at the time of publication.

Police have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected but said investigations would continue into the activities at the site and the individuals who fled during the operation. The latest arrests form part of broader efforts by security agencies and state institutions to combat illegal mining and protect critical national assets across the country.

Why This Matters

The operation targeted suspected illegal mining activity along a Ghana Water Limited pipeline.
Three suspects were arrested and are assisting police investigations.
Officers seized 19 water-pumping machines and other equipment allegedly used in mining activities.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal mining near critical public infrastructure.