A joint Police–Military team has launched a dawn operation in Dadwen, Ashanti Region, to arrest suspects linked to the November 6, 2025, attack on members of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) task force and accompanying journalists.
The Wednesday morning raid (November 12, 2025) forms part of a coordinated nationwide crackdown by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service, aimed at apprehending the perpetrators and restoring public confidence. The joint security operation fulfills a pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama to bring those responsible for the violent attack to justice.
Intelligence-Led Operation Targets Suspected Attackers
TV3’s William Evans-Nkum, who was embedded with the operation team, reported that the dawn raid involved intelligence-led swoops, screenings, and targeted arrests. The coordinated operation seeks to flush out individuals directly involved in the assault on the EPA’s anti-illegal mining team.
According to a joint statement issued by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, the operation extends beyond the Ashanti Region to other parts of the country, including:
- Dadwen and Anwona in the Ashanti Region
- Ehi in the Volta Region
- Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani in the Ahafo Region
The statement emphasized that the exercise is targeted, intelligence-driven, and lawful, focusing on the apprehension of violent offenders and the protection of national security interests.
Security Agencies Warn Against Obstruction
The Ghana Armed Forces and Police have warned against any attempt to obstruct their ongoing operations.
“Any individual or group attempting to obstruct the security services in their anti-illegal mining operations or any other lawful duties will face the full force of the law,” the statement cautioned.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safety and public order, assuring residents of affected communities that adequate security measures are in place.
“Residents are encouraged to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear or panic,” the statement added.
Public Commended for Support Against Illegal Mining
The Armed Forces and Police further commended civil society groups, the media, and the general public for their swift condemnation of the recent attacks and their continued support in the national fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“The continued collaboration between the public and security agencies is crucial to sustaining Ghana’s environmental protection and law enforcement efforts,” the joint statement noted.
Broader National Crackdown
The nationwide operation comes amid growing concern over violent attacks on state officials and journalists involved in anti-illegal mining enforcement. The government’s intensified security response underscores its determination to restore law and order, protect environmental officers, and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
Analysts believe the ongoing joint operation represents a strong signal of zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement personnel and a renewed effort to curb illegal mining and its associated criminal networks.
