The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 49 suspected illegal miners following a dawn operation at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, April 30, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities within the concession of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) and followed what officials describe as a dangerous ambush on NAIMOS personnel two days earlier.
According to NAIMOS, the earlier incident occurred on Tuesday, April 28, when a group of armed illegal miners allegedly opened fire on a taskforce team stationed in Nzema East. The attackers reportedly discharged multiple rounds at a NAIMOS vehicle, forcing officers to withdraw tactically without injuries.
The incident triggered an intelligence-led operation, culminating in a coordinated cordon and search exercise between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. at Adiewoso and nearby communities.
In total, 114 individuals were initially apprehended and screened at the Adiewoso Community Centre. After verification, 49 were identified as suspected illegal miners and handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigations.
Authorities say eight of those detained were confirmed as casual workers of GREL and were released, while 12 others were identified as senior high school students. The remaining individuals were cleared as artisans and residents with no links to illegal mining.
Three of the suspects were identified as foreign nationals from Niger and Burkina Faso.
During the operation, NAIMOS operatives recovered a pump-action gun and seized large sums of money believed to be proceeds from illegal mining. This included GH₵140,000 found in a Toyota Raize linked to one suspect, and an additional GH₵86,710 recovered from a Toyota Hilux, along with substances suspected to be gold.
The owner of the Hilux, identified as Ebenezer Cobbinah, was arrested at the scene and is assisting with investigations. Officers also seized substances suspected to be Indian hemp and cartons of cigarettes believed to be connected to the illegal operation.
A joint team made up of GREL management and personnel from the Agona Ahanta Police Command supported the exercise, helping to distinguish legitimate workers from suspects.
NAIMOS says the operation underscores its determination to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in areas where it threatens lawful businesses and the environment.
The Secretariat assured the public that it remains resolute and will not be deterred by acts of violence or intimidation in its efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and bring offenders to justice.
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