The Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Retired) John Kwame Jabari, has announced that plans are underway to arrest individuals operating as unauthorized anti-galamsey taskforces.
The Ashanti Regional Security Team is set to clamp down on all illegal taskforces posing as anti-galamsey operatives across the region.
Speaking on the Orange Sunrise on July 1, 2025, Mr. Jabari said that individuals impersonating national security on anti-galamsey officials. He then said, “these individuals will be apprehended as part of efforts to sanitize the mining sector”.
This action follows reports that such individuals are harassing small scale miners in several communities.
Anti-Galamsey Taskforce Crackdown
He noted that he appreciates the miners’ concerns. He added that it appears some constituencies have been affected by illegal groups preparing to harass miners in the coming weeks.
“We are apprehending those people who have seen themselves into taskforces or bodies on their own to do those operations,” he stated. “So it’s quite difficult for them to differentiate who is coming from here or there.”
“That is something I appreciate that I met their chairman. We had a whole conversation about it.
“We have some people we are going to be picking up very soon who have become bodies or authorities on their own,” he added. “They are engaged in some of these acts.”
Jabari believes the fight against illegal mining can be won but emphasized the need for all miners to comply with existing regulations.
He further highlighted that illegal mining has persisted for a long time and stressed that certain areas are strictly off-limits.
He stressed , “If you want to do mining, you can’t do it in the forest, along water bodies, or on road networks. You also can’t do it with foreigners who don’t have a license to work.”
 John Kwame Jabari announced plans to arrest individuals acting as unauthorized anti-galamsey operatives...){kind=link}