The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a renewed and intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities, storming several galamsey sites at Hiawa in the Amenfi Central District and destroying assorted mining equipment used by illegal operators.
In a press statement issued on December 29, NAIMOS confirmed that a special task force dismantled makeshift mining structures, destroyed water pumping machines, and pulled down wooden gold washing platforms at sites that had been reoccupied by illegal miners.
“The Taskforce has intensified its anti-galamsey crackdown at areas currently reoccupied by the illegal miners and causing severe havoc to water bodies, forests and farmlands in complete disregard of all environmental laws and regulatory oversight,” the statement said.
Five Chinese Arrested Along Birim River
In a related operation, NAIMOS arrested five Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining along the Birim River at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality.
According to NAIMOS, the arrests were made on December 29, 2026, during a series of coordinated raids on illegal mining sites in the area. The suspects were allegedly mining and washing gold directly into the Birim River, one of Ghana’s critical water bodies.
The task force immobilized two excavators found at the site and seized a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser believed to have been used by the suspects. Several makeshift structures were demolished, while water pumping machines and other mining equipment were destroyed.
“NAIMOS continues its crackdown along major water bodies during the festive season to prevent further pollution,” the Secretariat assured.
Forest Reserves and Rivers Declared Security Zones
The latest operations align with government policy directives announced earlier this year by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who in September declared forest reserves and river bodies as Security Zones.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a week-long intensive training programme for NAIMOS personnel in Sunyani on September 26, the Minister charged officers to act decisively against illegal miners.
“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any recalcitrant entrant into these declared Security Zones is not merely a trespasser; they are an enemy of the state and are to be treated as such,” Mr Buah stated.
He further announced that NAIMOS personnel would be permanently deployed to forest reserves and along river bodies to ensure sustained protection.
Major Achievements Since NAIMOS’ Establishment
The Minister commended NAIMOS for its achievements since its establishment in June, noting that the task force has:
- Arrested over 1,000 illegal miners
- Repossessed nine previously inaccessible forest reserves
- Confiscated over 900 water pumping machines, later handed to the Ministry of Agriculture to support irrigation for farmers
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” Mr Buah emphasized.
Sustained Strategy Against Illegal Mining
Mr Buah reminded the task force that the fight against illegal mining is far from over, describing recent training as a strategic convergence of purpose among the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and NACOC.
He outlined the Ministry’s five-pronged strategy to combat galamsey, which includes strict enforcement, public engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and stronger institutional coordination.
The Field Task Force training, he noted, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s aggressive anti-galamsey agenda, aimed not only at enforcement but also at ensuring responsible and sustainable mining practices for future generations.
