Coordinated operations in three districts have resulted in large seizures, arrests, and the halting of harmful mining activities near vital water sources as part of Ghana’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining.
Targeting illicit miners along the Birim River in the Eastern Region, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a committed and autonomous Task Force established by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), stepped up its operations on Sunday, June 15.
The task force went into the Asikam and Potrase areas of the Kyebi general region in response to intelligence.
Citing the task force, the miners sprang forward, abandoning their tools and equipment.
Control boards were removed from four excavators, rendering them inoperable.
Until the early hours of Monday, June 16, 2025, the operation was conducted.
The task group turned its attention to the Central Region on Tuesday, June 17, where the Pra River was being contaminated by illicit mining. The task force raided locations in the Assin North Municipality, including Ayittey, Agave, Assin Asempaneye, and Ntowkrom, accompanied by four NADMO officials.
Some of the illegal miners crossed the river to avoid capture after the task group was spotted.
However, the Task Force immobilized three (3) excavators that were firmly rooted at the location and seized five (5) excavators, which were turned over to the Assin North District Assembly.
Equipment such as generators, pumping machines, and changfans were destroyed, and temporary buildings were dismantled.
An ID card that belonged to a man named Cobinah Timothy was found, which might help with future inquiries.
The task team entered the Western Region on Thursday, June 19, and discovered a Chinese-led galamsey syndicate that operated in the districts of Jomoro, Ellembele, and Evalue-Gwira.
Thirty-two (32) excavators, changfans, and trucks were among the equipment confiscated, and eleven (11) Chinese nationals were arrested.
Buildings that were immobile were demolished.
On Friday, June 20th, the suspects were taken to Accra and formally turned over to Senior Inspector Jyampah of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Operations Department for additional processing.
These operations demonstrate the extensive destruction—polluted rivers, degraded agriculture, and ruined ecosystems—caused by illicit mining.
Even while the task force is moving forward, there are still issues, such as miners going back to their locations or changing operations.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has also reaffirmed his commitment to fighting the threat and eliminating galamsey.
“We are taking back our land and protecting our rivers,” the Minister stated. “No one, foreign or local, will be allowed to destroy Ghana’s future for short-term gain. The era of impunity is over!”
The NAIMOS Director of Operations has stated that in order to combat illegal mining, there will be more raids, more stringent enforcement, and community collaboration.
Source: newsthemegh.com