The NAIMOS Taskforce has intensified its anti-galamsey operations in the Eastern Region, raiding two illegal mining sites at Bunsu and Nsutem in the Fanteakwa South District on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The coordinated crackdown led to the seizure of multiple heavy-duty machines and the disruption of destructive mining activities affecting cocoa farmlands and critical water bodies.
Bunsu Raid: Illegal Miners Flee, Excavators and Bulldozer Seized
At dawn, the Taskforce stormed an illegal mining enclave located at Section E Site 3 of the Cocoa Research Centre at Bunsu, where vast stretches of cocoa lands had been destroyed.
Upon spotting Taskforce vehicles, the illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning their machinery. The operation resulted in the seizure of:
- Two excavators
- One bulldozer
The Taskforce reported extensive devastation of cocoa fields and surrounding lands, an area already designated for critical national agricultural research.
Nsutem Raid: Illegal Waste Discharge into Birim River
Later that afternoon at approximately 1335 hours, the Taskforce launched another operation at Nsutem, also in the Fanteakwa South District. Illegal miners were caught actively working and discharging polluted wastewater directly into the Birim River, one of Ghana’s major water bodies.
Again, the illegal miners escaped upon noticing the Taskforce approaching.
Two more excavators used in polluting the river were confiscated in this operation.
Mass Destruction and Environmental Threats
Reports from the Taskforce highlight widespread land degradation at both locations, with deep pits, destroyed vegetation, and heavy contamination threatening cocoa production and water resources.
The Birim River, which serves as a major source of water for surrounding communities, continues to face severe pollution from illegal mining operations.
Taskforce Vows Continued Action
The NAIMOS Taskforce says it will sustain operations in the Eastern Region to curb illegal mining activities, protect cocoa farmlands, and safeguard the country’s water bodies from further destruction.
More updates are expected as the anti-galamsey campaign intensifies.
