The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Eastern Region as part of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources from destruction.
The latest operation resulted in the destruction of mining equipment, makeshift structures, and other property belonging to illegal miners across several districts.
According to the Ministry of Communication, the renewed offensive forms a crucial component of the government’s broader strategy to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands from the persistent threat of galamsey.
Minister in charge of government communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the exercise was coordinated under the supervision of NAIMOS and targeted major hotspots where illegal mining continues to devastate local ecosystems.
The task force first stormed an active illegal mining site at Old Abirem, where several operations were underway. Three individuals were found at the scene and subsequently questioned, leading the team to another nearby location where four excavators were discovered with clear signs of recent activity.
The patrol also documented extensive environmental degradation in the surrounding vegetation and nearby water sources.
“This operation is part of a sustained national effort to restore ecological balance and ensure compliance with mining regulations. Our priority is to render every piece of illegal machinery inoperable to stop these destructive activities”
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister in Charge of Government Communications
The equipment discovered at the site included excavators, heavy-duty water pumping machines, and fuel containers. The task force destroyed makeshift structures used by the miners and dismantled the equipment to prevent future use. Two of the excavators were found without control boards and monitors, while the other two had their control boards deliberately removed.
Further Operations
According to Hon. Kwakye Ofosu, from Old Abirem, the task force proceeded to Kyenkyenku in the Birim North District, where illegal miners were spotted operating near a third-class road.
Upon sighting the patrol, the miners fled, abandoning one excavator and two containers of diesel. In the absence of a low-bed truck to transport the equipment, the task force immobilized the excavator by removing its control system.
The task force later seized a SANY excavator and a drum of diesel fuel, ensuring the site was neutralized before moving to other targeted locations.
In a separate operation, NAIMOS received intelligence about Chinese nationals allegedly operating within a forest reserve in Oboho, in the Ayensuano District. When the patrol team arrived, they found no miners present, but four excavators were located parked in nearby villages adjoining the forest area.
“Investigations are ongoing to trace the owners of the machines and determine the extent of illegal operations in the area,” the Minister revealed.
He stated that the intelligence-gathering and follow-up operations reflect NAIMOS’s enhanced coordination between security agencies and local authorities to track down illegal miners who often relocate their equipment after tip-offs.
The operation extended to a cocoa plantation in Old Abirem “along the Kade-Otumi-Kwae-Maamaso-New Abirem–Adadekrom–Akoase corridor,” where NAIMOS discovered fresh signs of mining activity. Although no active mining was ongoing at the time due to a local “breaking day,” two young men were found hiding in a makeshift shelter.
Upon questioning, they disclosed that the site belonged to Chinese operators who had moved their equipment after hearing of the patrol.
The makeshift shelter was subsequently set ablaze by the team to deter reoccupation. The team also secured the area to prevent further illegal activity while continuing toward Anum Apapam to inspect additional suspected mining zones.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed the government’s determination to sustain the anti-galamsey campaign until the country’s environment is fully protected. He explained that NAIMOS will continue to operate with strict interagency coordination to ensure that offenders face prosecution under Ghana’s mining and environmental protection laws.
“The government will not relent in its resolve to end illegal mining and restore our water bodies, forests, and farmlands,” the Minister of Communication concluded.
The latest operation adds to a series of coordinated enforcement efforts across mining-prone regions as part of the national campaign to preserve Ghana’s ecological and agricultural assets for future generations.
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