NAIMOS arrests 11 suspected illegal miners in Western and Eastern regions

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 11 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining during a series of coordinated raids across the Western and Eastern Regions. The operations, conducted on October 29, specifically targeted illegal mining activities within protected forest reserves and along critical water bodies. These enforcement actions are part of an intensified campaign by the secretariat to safeguard Ghana's natural resources from the environmental degradation caused by 'galamsey'.

In the Western Region, the task force focused on sites within the Cape Three Points Forest and the Abrokyire-Krobo area in Wassa Amenfi East. At Cape Three Points, four suspects were apprehended, and several pieces of mining equipment, including chanfang machines and water pumps, were destroyed. In the Wassa Amenfi East area, although some operators fled upon detection, the team dismantled five chanfang machines and other operational setups to ensure the site could not immediately resume operations.

Operations in the Eastern Region were concentrated in the Apapam-Asikem zone, where illegal mining has been significantly impacting the Birim River and its tributaries. Seven suspects were arrested in this area as NAIMOS personnel dismantled illegal structures and destroyed additional mining equipment. The secretariat emphasized that targeting these specific hubs is essential for protecting the water quality of the Birim River, which serves as a vital resource for surrounding communities.

All 11 suspects have been transferred into police custody for further investigation and subsequent prosecution under the Minerals and Mining Act. NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constant surveillance and monitoring in these sensitive areas to prevent the resurgence of illegal mining. Supported by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the secretariat continues to prioritize the protection of remote forest reserves and the restoration of polluted water bodies.