15 suspected galamseyers arrested near Obuasi school after viral video exposes illegal mining site

A joint security operation has resulted in the arrest of 15 suspected illegal miners—including an alleged kingpin—and the seizure of three excavators at an illegal mining site located dangerously close to the Sanso Methodist School in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.

The operation was triggered by a viral video circulated on social media, which showed active galamsey operations taking place just metres from the school compound. The footage sparked public outrage and prompted the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to order an immediate verification and enforcement action.

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How the Operation Unfolded

Following the Minister’s directive, a joint task force comprising operatives from National Security, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), and military personnel was deployed to the site. Upon arrival, the team discovered an active mining pit, heavy machinery, and a makeshift camp operated by the suspects.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal miners had been operating at the site for approximately two weeks without detection. Authorities believe the timing was deliberate—the nearby school was on vacation, which reduced the likelihood of the activity being noticed by teachers, pupils, or parents. The site is located less than 200 metres from the school’s main building, raising serious concerns about the safety of children once they return.

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Arrests and Seizures

Captain (Rtd) John Jabari, the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, confirmed the details of the operation in an interview with TV3.

“The operation led to the arrest of 15 suspects, including the alleged leader of the group, and the seizure of three excavators,” he stated. “All suspects have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations.”

The suspects are expected to face charges related to unlawful mining, environmental degradation, and operating without a valid permit under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). The seized excavators will be held as exhibits pending court proceedings.

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Reclamation Ordered Before School Reopens

In a decisive move to protect the school community, Dr. Amoakohene has directed the Regional Reclamation Team to begin restoration of the degraded land immediately. Reclamation works are scheduled to commence on August 3, 2026—well before pupils return from vacation—to eliminate safety hazards such as open pits, unstable slopes, and contaminated water bodies.

The Minister emphasized that the safety of children and the integrity of educational institutions must never be compromised by illegal mining activities. “We will not allow any activity that threatens the lives of our children or the future of our communities,” he said in a brief statement.

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Background: Galamsey and Schools – A Growing National Concern

This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of illegal mining encroaching on schools and residential areas across Ghana. In recent years, galamsey operations have been reported near schools in the Western, Eastern, and Ashanti regions, exposing children to toxic chemicals (including mercury and cyanide), noise pollution, and physical hazards such as open pits and collapsing earth.

Environmental activists have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of buffer zone regulations, which prohibit mining within 100 metres of schools, hospitals, and water bodies. However, weak enforcement, corruption, and the lucrative nature of illegal mining have allowed operators to flout these rules with impunity.

The Sanso Methodist School case is particularly alarming because of the proximity of the mining site to the school and the fact that it operated undetected for two weeks. This raises questions about the effectiveness of community monitoring and the responsiveness of local security agencies.

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Historical Context: Ghana’s Long Battle with Galamsey

Ghana has struggled with illegal small-scale mining for decades. While the sector contributes significantly to the economy, unregulated operations have caused widespread environmental degradation, including deforestation, mercury pollution of rivers, and the destruction of agricultural lands.

In 2017, the government launched “Operation Vanguard,” a military-led task force to combat galamsey, which led to thousands of arrests and the destruction of equipment. However, the problem persists due to the high unemployment rate in mining communities, the involvement of powerful individuals, and the difficulty of policing vast, remote areas.

The establishment of NAIMOS was intended to coordinate these efforts more effectively, but critics argue that the secretariat lacks the resources and political will to sustain long-term enforcement.

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Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The viral video that triggered this operation has reignited national debate over the government’s commitment to combating galamsey. Social media users have expressed fury over the proximity of mining to a school, with many questioning how such operations could go undetected for two weeks despite the presence of security agencies in the region.

Some commentators have also raised concerns about the effectiveness of NAIMOS. While the swift operation in Obuasi is commendable, critics argue that proactive surveillance—rather than reactive responses to viral videos—is needed to prevent such incidents. The fact that the site was only discovered after a citizen recorded and shared footage suggests a failure in routine monitoring.

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Legal and Regulatory Framework

Under Ghanaian law, illegal mining is a criminal offense punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703) provides for the seizure of equipment and the prosecution of offenders. However, enforcement has historically been inconsistent, with many suspects released on bail and cases dragging on for years.

Environmental activists are calling for stiffer penalties, including mandatory jail terms and the permanent forfeiture of equipment, to serve as a deterrent. They also argue that the government should strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct regular inspections and enforce compliance.

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What Next?

The suspects remain in custody at the CID headquarters in Accra, where investigators are expected to probe their connections, sources of funding, and any possible links to larger syndicates. The CID will also investigate whether local officials were complicit in allowing the operation to proceed undetected.

Meanwhile, the reclamation team has begun work to restore the site, with the Regional Minister promising to personally inspect the area before schools reopen to ensure it is safe for pupils. The reclamation process will involve backfilling pits, levelling the land, and replanting vegetation to prevent erosion.

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A Warning to Illegal Miners

Captain Jabari issued a stern warning to other illegal miners: “This operation sends a clear message that the state will not tolerate mining activities that endanger our children and communities. We will continue to track and dismantle such operations, regardless of how well they try to hide.”

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.

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A Test of Commitment

The Sanso Methodist School incident is a test case for Ghana’s resolve to protect its environment and future generations. If the state can swiftly arrest, prosecute, and reclaim the land, it will signal a genuine shift in the fight against galamsey. If not, the viral video will be remembered as just another moment of outrage—without lasting change.

For now, the 15 suspects await their day in court, the excavators sit as evidence, and the residents of Obuasi watch closely to see whether justice will be served—or whether the mining will simply move to the next hidden site, waiting for another video to expose it.

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