Police arrest eight foreigners for illegal gold exploration, purchasing business

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspects for allegedly engaging in gold exploration and purchasing business without a license.

The suspects, Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro, believed to be from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Gambia nationals were apprehended at Wewe, a village in the Banda District of the Region.

A statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command and signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Bono Regional Public Relations Officer of the Police, said the suspects were arrested on Thursday, October 02, 2025.

They were arrested following a sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance.

A copy of the statement made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani said they were apprehended while actively engaging in illegal mining and gold trading operations in the community.

It said the police retrieved GH₵23,450.00 cash, quantities of raw gold and gold dust, mercury, and a lighter from the suspects, presently at the police custody, aiding investigations, saying the items had been retained for forensic examination.

The statement added that the suspects would soon be arraigned before the court.

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