The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 36 individuals, including 32 Nigerien nationals and four Ghanaians, in a major dawn anti-galamsey operation at Osino in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
The operation, which took place early Saturday morning, forms part of government’s renewed clampdown on illegal mining, a menace that continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and environment.
Foreign Nationals Among Arrested Galamsey Operators
According to officials from NAIMOS, the foreign suspects were allegedly operating at several illegal mining sites across Osino and nearby communities. The arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance on the activities of foreign nationals involved in galamsey.
Security teams conducted the coordinated swoop at dawn, seizing mining equipment and machinery believed to have been used for the illicit operations.
“This exercise was intelligence-led and part of our ongoing strategy to root out illegal mining operators across the country,” a NAIMOS spokesperson said.
Suspects Face Screening, Prosecution, and Possible Repatriation
NAIMOS confirmed that all 36 suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further screening and prosecution. Officials noted that foreign nationals found culpable could face repatriation after due legal processes.
“We are working closely with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure that justice is served, and the law is fully applied,” the Secretariat stated.
Government Intensifies Anti-Galamsey Crackdown
The operation at Osino is part of a broader nationwide anti-galamsey campaign aimed at curbing the destruction of farmlands, rivers, and forests.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat reiterated its commitment to sustaining the fight against illegal mining, warning that more covert and overt operations will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
“We want to send a strong message to illegal miners, both local and foreign, that the law will catch up with them. The destruction of our natural resources cannot continue,” the statement added.
Communities Urged to Support the Fight Against Galamsey
NAIMOS also appealed to local communities to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information on illegal mining activities in their areas.
The Secretariat emphasized that public cooperation remains essential to the success of the campaign, as illegal miners often operate in remote areas shielded by local networks.
“We urge all citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security office. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility,” the Secretariat said.
Key Takeaways:
- 36 suspects arrested in Osino, including 32 foreign nationals.
- Seized mining equipment during dawn anti-galamsey operation.
- NAIMOS vows to intensify operations across Ghana.
- Suspects to face prosecution and possible repatriation.
- Communities urged to provide information to aid enforcement.
