National Security operatives reportedly apprehended a suspected illegal miner at Atwima Mponua in the Ashanti Region during an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities.

A video shared on social media by the News Room on June 26, 2026, shows the operatives confronting the suspect in a forest reserve.

In the footage, the operatives are heard declaring his arrest, "National Security operatives have arrested you."

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They are also heard instructing the suspect to slap himself ten times, while repeating a warning not to return to the area.

"We want you to slap yourself ten times and say you will not come to this forest again,” the officers are heard saying.

The suspect is seen being directed from the site and he is seen running.

Illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, continues to pose a major challenge in Ghana despite repeated government interventions.

The practice has resulted in the devastation of fertile farmlands, the severe pollution of major rivers, and widespread deforestation across the country.

See the video below:

🇬🇭 “Slap yourself and say I will not come here again”

— National Security operatives arrest an illegal miner at Atwima Mponua. pic.twitter.com/PEk953fpeG

— TheeNewsRoom (@TheeNewsRoom) June 26, 2026