Police in Ghana’s Savannah Region have arrested 22 Togolese nationals over suspected involvement in illegal mining activities, authorities said on Friday.
The arrests were carried out on Jan. 23, 2026, by the Savannah Regional Police Intelligence Department in the West Gonja Municipality. Officers intercepted a Kia truck with registration number BA 223-12 during an intelligence-led operation, police said.
The vehicle was being driven by a suspect identified as Abdul Majeed Yakubu. Upon questioning, the occupants told police they were citizens of Togo travelling to Tuntumba, a community widely associated with illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey. They allegedly intended to engage in mining activities upon arrival.
All 22 suspects are currently in police custody and will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service to begin the necessary immigration and legal procedures, according to police.
Illegal mining remains a major environmental and security concern in Ghana, prompting intensified enforcement operations across several regions.
Police said investigations into the case are ongoing and assured the public that further updates would be provided as inquiries progress.