Ghana’s Regional Police Command in Bono said it has arrested eight foreign nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal gold exploration and trading without a licence at Wewe, a village near Banda in the country’s Bono Region.
The suspects were identified as Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro.
Police said they are nationals of Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia.
According to a statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command, the arrests followed surveillance and intelligence on the group’s activities.
The suspects were picked up on Thursday, 2 October, 2025, while allegedly carrying out illegal mining and gold trading in the community.
During the operation, the police retrieved GH¢23,450 (N2.7million) in cash, raw gold, gold dust, mercury, and a lighter believed to have been used in gold processing.
The exhibits have been kept for forensic examination.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Bono Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, said all eight suspects were in custody and assisting investigators.
He added that arrangements were being made to arraign them in court.
Mr Akeelah said the Command will continue to intensify operations against unauthorised mining and related activities in the region.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The suspects.
