NAIMOS vows to sustain crackdown on illegal mining in rivers, forests and farms

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it conducted 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel K.S. Appiah, disclosed this during a media engagement, where he outlined the Secretariat’s operational achievements and plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, the operations covered approximately 50,662 kilometres and included reconnaissance, mobile and riverine patrols, special operations and community engagement. He said the interventions targeted illegal mining activities, particularly around vulnerable water bodies, forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas. 74 firearms recovered, 1,970 changfan machines destroyed During the period, NAIMOS task forces recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition.

They also seized excavators, pumps, vehicles and other equipment allegedly used to support illegal mining. Colonel Appiah said approximately 1,970 changfan machines and 863 makeshift structures had been destroyed. Six suspects were also apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and action.

“Our responsibility extends to preserving evidence and supporting the justice process so that enforcement can produce credible deterrence,” he said. Bases established to sustain operations Colonel Appiah said the operations were supported by forward operating bases and temporary operating bases established at strategic locations to maintain pressure on illegal mining hotspots and prevent activities from resuming in areas previously cleared. In the Western Region, NAIMOS has established forward operating bases at Iziyama, Asankragua and Agona, with temporary bases at Prestea and Axim, according to the operational briefing.

The Enchi base supports operations in the Western North Region, particularly around the Tano and Bia river systems and adjoining forest areas. In the Eastern Region, operations around Akyem Oda were described as being supported by a forward base at Kibi. Bases at Tepa and Manso Nkwanta support enforcement activities and the protection of reclamation sites in the Ashanti Region.

Colonel Appiah said NAIMOS had also conducted coordinated operations in the Central, … The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reaffirmed its determination to halt illegal mining in Ghana’s rivers, forests, farms and plantations, declaring that operations against illegal miners and the networks supporting them will continue. Colonel Appiah said the Secretariat’s efforts were directed not only at illegal miners operating at mining sites but also at the networks that sustain their activities.