The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service have commenced simultaneous, intelligence-led joint operations in several communities across the Ashanti, Volta, and Ahafo Regions.

The coordinated swoops, which began at dawn today, are targeting specific locations known to harbour individuals involved in recent attacks on state officials.

The focus is on arresting persons connected to assaults on teams from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS), Police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.

The operations are concentrated in:

Ashanti Region: Dadwene and Anwona

Volta Region: Ehi

Ahafo Region: Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso, and Marhani

In a strong statement, the Security Services issued a clear warning to potential obstructors.

“The Armed Forces and the Police Service warn that any individual or group that attempts to obstruct the operations of any of the security services in their anti-galamsey operations or in the performance of any other lawful duty, will face the full force of the law,” the release stated.

The public, particularly residents in the affected towns, have been assured of their safety and encouraged to remain calm.

“Adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and security of well-meaning inhabitants of these towns and communities.

They are encouraged to remain calm and go about their regular duties without fear or panic,” the statement read.

The Security Services also commended civil society, the media, and the public for their widespread condemnation of the previous attacks and called for continued cooperation.