The National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified the national fight against illegal mining with a bold dawn raid on a notorious galamsey site known as “Yellow Face” at Wassa Abrehyia in the Western Region. The surprise operation sent illegal miners fleeing as the task force moved in to secure the area and dismantle unlawful mining activities.

According to officials, the early-morning operation formed part of ongoing nationwide efforts to curb the environmental destruction, drug abuse, and violent activities associated with illegal mining gangs.

Illegal Structures, Drug Evidence, and Mining Tools Destroyed

During the operation, the NAIMOS task force set ablaze makeshift shelters, tools, and equipment used in the illegal gold extraction activities. Security personnel also uncovered disturbing evidence of widespread illicit drug use and the presence of dynamites, which pose serious safety and security concerns for nearby communities.

Authorities noted that the combination of explosives and uncontrolled mining threatens not only the environment but also the lives of miners and residents in the Wassa Abrehyia area.

NAIMOS Vows Continuous ‘Surgical Operations’

A spokesperson for NAIMOS indicated that the exercise is only the beginning of a prolonged nationwide crackdown aimed at dismantling dangerous illegal mining networks and restoring lands destroyed by galamsey operations.

“NAIMOS will continue to carry out these surgical operations in the coming days and weeks to disrupt illegal miners and address the growing menace of illicit drug use at these sites,” officials stated.

Residents in nearby communities have welcomed the raid, expressing hope that sustained operations will finally restore peace and protect farmlands and water bodies that have suffered years of destruction.

The dawn operation signals a renewed and strengthened commitment by the government and security agencies to eliminate illegal mining, one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental and security threats.