The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested Nana Ogyeahohuo Barima Anum, who claims to be the Chief of Dokokyina, for allegedly interfering with an operation to apprehend a notorious illegal mining kingpin at Besiasi in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.
According to NAIMOS, the arrest occurred on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at around 4:30 p.m., after the chief reportedly pursued the taskforce in an attempt to disrupt the lawful arrest of Asenso Kwabena, described as a “notorious galamsey kingpin.”
Nana Ogyeahohuo Barima Anum, who was driving a grey Mercedes-Benz ML 350 (registration number GT 870-14), was intercepted, taken into custody, and handed over to the Ghana Police Service. His vehicle has been impounded.
The incident followed a major NAIMOS raid at Besiasi earlier that day, during which Asenso Kwabena was arrested for operating an illegal mining site that severely polluted the Ayensu River, threatening local water sources and ecosystems.
During the operation, the suspect allegedly arrived armed with a pistol and offered a GH¢100,000 bribe to avoid arrest. The NAIMOS taskforce rejected the bribe, seized the cash and equipment, and shut down the illegal mining site before detaining him for questioning.
Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor of the Multimedia Group, who covered the operation, confirmed the events, earning public praise for the taskforce’s integrity.
Authorities say both Nana Ogyeahohuo Barima Anum and Asenso Kwabena are assisting with ongoing investigations. The case is being jointly handled by the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Office as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and protect natural resources.
NAIMOS officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, warning that anyone, regardless of social or traditional status, who obstructs lawful operations will face prosecution.
The Ayensuano District remains a key illegal mining hotspot under close monitoring by the national taskforce as the government intensifies its clampdown on galamsey activities across the country.
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