The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide offensive against illegal mining, dismantling several galamsey sites in coordinated operations across the Western Region.
In a statement released by Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, NAIMOS operatives on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, raided illegal mining hotspots along the Ankobra River in the Nzema East Municipality, destroying and seizing dozens of equipment used for the unlawful activity.
During the operation, officers destroyed one excavator and set ablaze over 100 makeshift structures used as mining camps.
Additionally, seven chanfangs and 88 water pumping machines were seized, along with gas cylinders, shovels, water hoses, a generator, and other materials believed to have supported illegal mining along the riverbanks.
The task force also recovered unusual items, including plastic chairs and a DSTV dish, believed to have been part of makeshift setups for miners who lived on-site.
The operation forms part of an aggressive national strategy to restore the country’s degraded water bodies and forests, which have been ravaged by illegal small-scale mining.
In a related development, NAIMOS carried out another joint operation a day earlier—Monday, October 6—at Aboso’s notorious “Gangway” enclave in the Prestea-Huni Valley District.
The area, long known for its deep-rooted galamsey networks, witnessed a dramatic swoop that led to the dismantling of multiple sites and the arrest of several individuals.
According to Mr. Ofosu, hundreds of illegal miners and individuals engaged in associated criminal activities surrendered during the raid.
The task force also seized 11 parcels of Indian hemp and other narcotic substances believed to be used or traded by miners in the area.
Authorities say the back-to-back operations underscore government’s renewed commitment to eradicating galamsey through intelligence-driven enforcement, especially in red-zone regions where mining continues to endanger lives and ecosystems.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed that the government will not relent in its fight against illegal mining, promising that “no community or river will be left behind in this mission to reclaim Ghana’s natural environment.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
