The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has conducted 738 operations across Ghana between June 13 and September 30, 2026, as part of intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Colonel K.S. Appiah, Director of Operations at NAIMOS, disclosed this during his first press engagement on October 22, 2026. He said the operations covered approximately 50,662 kilometres and included reconnaissance missions, mobile and river patrols, raids, special operations and community engagement.
According to Col. Appiah, the enforcement campaign has disrupted illegal mining networks and destroyed equipment and infrastructure used to support unlawful mining activities.
NAIMOS Seizes 74 Firearms and Destroys 1,970 Changfan Machines
Col. Appiah revealed that NAIMOS task forces recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition during the period under review.
The operations also resulted in the seizure of excavators, vehicles, water pumps and other equipment associated with illegal mining. In addition, approximately 1,970 changfan machines and 863 makeshift structures were destroyed to reduce the operational capacity of illegal miners.
Suspects arrested during the operations were handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.
The NAIMOS director emphasised that the secretariat would continue working with law enforcement agencies to preserve evidence and ensure that cases progress through the justice system.
NAIMOS Intensifies Galamsey Crackdown Across Regions
The anti-galamsey campaign has targeted illegal mining hotspots across several regions, including Western, Western North, Eastern, Ashanti, Central, Bono, Ahafo, Savannah and Northern.
In the Western Region, operations focused on illegal mining along the Ankobra and Butre river systems, as well as mining activities around Wassa, Mpohor and Ahanta West. Joint military and naval operations also disrupted changfan activities and destroyed mining camps and pumping equipment.
In Western North, intelligence-led operations along the Tano and Bia river systems resulted in the recovery of heavy equipment and firearms.
In the Eastern Region, enforcement activities targeted the Birim River and its tributaries, including areas around Apapam, Kyebi and Osino, to protect water resources and the Atewa landscape.
Operations in Ashanti targeted illegal mining machinery across Amansie, Obuasi and surrounding communities. Meanwhile, enforcement along the Pra River corridor in the Central Region disrupted concentrations of changfan machines.
NAIMOS also reported operations in Bono, Ahafo and Savannah, including efforts to dismantle illegal mining camps and tackle activities along the Black Volta corridor.
The secretariat said its enforcement activities also cover unauthorised sand winning and loam mining to protect Ghana’s land, rivers and other natural resources.
Operation Watershield Targets Illegal Mining on Major Rivers
Col. Appiah highlighted Operation Watershield, which began on the Birim River before extending to the Ankobra River in late July 2026.
The operation involves joint ground and riverine patrols designed to prevent illegal miners from accessing sensitive waterways and using changfan machines to extract minerals.
The Ghana Navy’s Special Boat Squadron has also been deployed to strengthen enforcement in difficult-to-access river sections.
According to Col. Appiah, NAIMOS plans to extend major operations to two additional river bodies before the end of 2026, although their identities were not disclosed for strategic reasons.
He added that limited operations had been conducted on the Offin River, with more comprehensive ground and riverine deployments planned.
To prevent illegal miners from returning after enforcement operations, NAIMOS intends to establish a dedicated riverine unit along the Ankobra in collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
NAIMOS Announces Operation Greenshield for Atewa Forest
NAIMOS is also preparing to launch Operation Greenshield, a forest protection initiative expected to begin at the Atewa Forest Reserve.
The operation aims to remove illegal mining activities, prevent renewed encroachment and protect the forest’s strategic watershed.
Col. Appiah explained that the initiative will follow three stages: clearing and disrupting illegal operations, holding and stabilising cleared areas, and eventually transferring routine protection responsibilities to the Forestry Commission.
Specially trained personnel will conduct initial forest operations, followed by sustained patrols and surveillance to prevent illegal miners from returning.
The transition is intended to ensure that environmental protection continues after intensive NAIMOS deployments end.
Government Support and Community Cooperation Key to Fighting Galamsey
Col. Appiah said sustained anti-galamsey operations require reliable transport, serviceable boats, effective communication systems and logistics to seize and remove heavy mining equipment.
He acknowledged the support of President John Dramani Mahama, the military high command, the Ghana Army, the Ghana Navy, security agencies and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
He also praised traditional authorities, district assemblies and local residents for providing intelligence to support enforcement activities.
According to the director, NAIMOS has received numerous whistleblower calls containing GPS locations over the past two months, helping officers identify illegal mining hotspots.
He urged the media and civil society organisations to report the campaign accurately while reaffirming the secretariat’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and lawful enforcement.
Col. Appiah warned that illegal mining in rivers, forests, farms and plantations would continue to face decisive action, including operations against the individuals and networks supplying equipment and resources to illegal miners.
Source: newsthemegh.com