NAIMOS Busts 19 in Galamsey Raid

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during a major operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region, dismantling several illegal mining sites operating close to the community’s police station. The intelligence-led operation, carried out on Wednesday, July 29, forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey and protect the country’s natural resources.

The raid followed persistent complaints from residents, farmers and traditional authorities over the growing scale of illegal mining activities in the area, where miners had allegedly been operating openly despite the proximity of a police station. Acting on earlier reconnaissance conducted within the district, the NAIMOS Task Force launched a coordinated operation targeting two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller locations believed to be supporting the illicit activities.

The operation resulted in the destruction of 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps and three makeshift structures used by the miners. An excavator found at one of the major sites was also rendered inoperable after task force personnel removed critical components to prevent its further use. Security officers also recovered a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects during the raid. The suspect was among the 19 individuals taken into custody. In a separate development, officers discovered GH¢120,000 in cash in the possession of another suspect during the operation. All the suspects have been placed in custody while the seized items have been secured to aid investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.

The latest operation underscores the government’s continued resolve to dismantle illegal mining networks, particularly in areas where environmental destruction has become increasingly severe. Illegal mining has remained a major national concern due to its devastating impact on forests, farmlands and water bodies, as well as the threat it poses to livelihoods and public safety. NAIMOS said it would sustain intelligence-led operations across illegal mining hotspots to disrupt the logistical networks supporting the practice and safeguard Ghana’s land and natural resources.

The Secretariat also renewed its appeal to individuals engaged in illegal mining to abandon the activity and urged members of the public to support the national fight against galamsey by providing credible information to the appropriate authorities. For this National Canker eating deep into the future of the country to be eradicated completely, all Ghanaians must be actively involved as posterity counts on it.

Author: Joyce Owusu