The Bono Regional Police Command in Ghana has arrested eight foreign nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal gold exploration and trading without a license in Wewe, a village near Banda, located in the Bono Region.

The suspects have been identified as Sayuba Ziba, Kienu Dobou, Osman Tunabu, Nana Alhassan, Wadrago Abdulai, Aliu Sali, Ibrahim Wulba, and Alhassan Imoro. They are reportedly from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and The Gambia.

According to a statement from the Bono Regional Police Command, the arrests were made following surveillance and intelligence gathered about the group’s activities. The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, October 2, 2025, while allegedly involved in illegal mining and gold trading in the area.

During the operation, police recovered GH¢23,450 (approximately N2.7 million) in cash, raw gold, gold dust, mercury, and a lighter believed to have been used in the gold processing. These items have been secured for forensic examination.

Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, stated that all eight suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators. He also mentioned that arrangements are being made to bring them before the court.

Mr. Akeelah emphasized that the police will continue to ramp up operations against unauthorized mining and related activities in the region.