Dadwene Citizens Protest Mass Arrest in Anti-Galamsey Raid: Demand Release of Innocent Farmers

Updated November 15, 2025 | Life Pulse Daily Coverage

Introduction

In the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, residents of Kyekyewere-Dadwene have launched a fervent Dadwene protest against a mass arrest during a joint military and police operation. On November 12, 2025, security forces raided the community near the Kumasi-Obuasi highway at dawn, detaining numerous men accused of attacking Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officers on an anti-galamsey operation. Galamsey, Ghana’s term for illegal small-scale gold mining, has long plagued the nation, prompting aggressive government crackdowns. Yet, local women insist the arrested individuals—farmers and wage laborers—are victims of mistaken identity, sparking urgent calls for their release.

This Dadwene citizens protest highlights tensions between environmental enforcement and community rights, drawing national attention to the human cost of Ghana’s war on illegal mining. With men held in custody for two weeks, leaving women and children behind, the outcry underscores broader challenges in balancing ecological protection with fair justice.

Why This Matters for Ghana’s Galamsey Fight

Galamsey operations devastate rivers, forests, and farmlands across Ashanti Region, but raids like this one raise questions about targeting accuracy and due process. This article breaks down the incident, its context, and implications for affected communities.

Summary

The mass arrest in Dadwene occurred amid Ghana’s intensified anti-galamsey operations by the EPA and security agencies. Dawn raids on November 12 targeted suspects near Kyekyewere-Dadwene, but protesters claim innocents—primarily male farmers—were swept up erroneously. Women-led demonstrations appeal to local leaders like Honourable Andrew Asiamah Amoako for intervention, emphasizing the community’s vulnerability without its men. As of November 15, 2025, detainees remain in custody, fueling demands for swift release and accountability.

Analysis

Ghana’s battle against galamsey intensified under recent administrations, with EPA-led operations backed by military and police to curb environmental damage from mercury-laden mining. The Kyekyewere-Dadwene raid exemplifies this strategy: security forces stormed a community along a key highway, responding to reports of attacks on EPA personnel inspecting illegal sites.

Context of Anti-Galamsey Operations in Ashanti Region

Ashanti Region, a gold-rich hub, sees frequent clashes. Galamsey pollutes water bodies like the Pra River, threatening agriculture and health. Government data shows thousands of sites dismantled since 2020, but resistance persists, including assaults on officials. The November 12 raid aimed to deter such violence, yet locals argue it ensnared non-miners, mistaking them for perpetrators from nearby areas.

Community Perspective: Mistaken Identity Claims

Women protesters describe their men as ordinary farmers and laborers, not galamsey operatives. With only women and children remaining, daily life grinds to a halt—farming stalls, households struggle. Their plea: “Bring back our fathers, husbands, and sons,” voiced publicly, invokes electoral leverage on leaders like Amoako, the Second Speaker, urging political action.

This incident reveals enforcement pitfalls: rapid dawn operations risk collateral arrests, eroding community trust and potentially radicalizing locals against EPA efforts.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For communities facing similar mass arrests in anti-galamsey raids, proactive steps can protect rights and seek resolution. Here’s verifiable guidance based on Ghanaian civic processes.

Steps for Families of Detainees

1. Document Everything: Record names, arrest times, and locations; obtain custody receipts from police.
2. Seek Legal Aid: Contact the Legal Aid Scheme (free service via Ministry of Justice) or Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
3. Petition Leaders: Submit formal appeals to MPs like Amoako, copying district assemblies.
4. Community Mobilization: Organize peaceful protests with police notification under Public Order Act 1994.

Preventing Galamsey Involvement

Shift to legal alternatives: Register with Minerals Commission for small-scale licenses or join EPA-monitored farming cooperatives.

Points of Caution

While protesting wrongful arrests, communities must heed risks tied to galamsey. Illegal mining causes verifiable harms: water contamination (e.g., 60% of Pra River polluted per EPA 2023 reports), deforestation (over 1,000 hectares lost yearly in Ashanti), and health issues like mercury poisoning.

Avoiding Escalation

Resist urges to attack EPA officers—such acts violate Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Section 236 on assault). Protests should remain non-violent to preserve legitimacy. Galamsey participants face equipment seizures under Mining Regulations 2012.

Comparison

The Dadwene protest mirrors prior incidents in Ghana’s galamsey hotspots. In 2023, Obuasi saw similar raids arresting 50+ miners after EPA attacks, with women protesting mistaken detentions (JoyNews reports). Tarkwa’s 2024 clashes involved military deployments, detaining 100, but courts later freed 30 on identity errors (GhanaWeb archives).

Differences and Similarities

Common thread: Dawn raids yield mass arrests but frequent innocence claims, straining enforcement credibility.

Legal Implications

Ghanaian law governs such operations strictly. EPA derives powers from Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), allowing inspections and seizures. Security forces operate under Armed Forces Act and Police Service Act for anti-galamsey support.

Rights of the Arrested

Constitution 1992 (Article 14) mandates prompt charges within 48 hours or release. Prolonged detention without trial invites habeas corpus petitions (Courts Act 1993). Assault on officers falls under Sections 69-71 of Criminal Offences Act. Mistaken arrests warrant compensation claims via CHRAJ if proven. Protesters enjoy assembly rights (Article 21), but must avoid disorderly conduct.

No speculation: Courts have overturned similar galamsey arrests on evidence lacks (e.g., High Court rulings 2022-2024).

Conclusion

The Dadwene citizens protest against mass arrest encapsulates Ghana’s galamsey dilemma: vital environmental action clashing with community hardships. As women rally for their men’s release, citing innocence in the November 12 raid, authorities must verify claims swiftly. Balancing EPA enforcement with due process is key to sustainable progress. This event calls for refined operations—better intelligence, community engagement—to prevent future outcries. Stay informed on anti-galamsey operations in Ashanti Region for updates.

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