Ghana’s fight against illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—has intensified, with coordinated operations across three regions resulting in multiple arrests, significant equipment seizures, and the disruption of destructive mining activities near key water bodies.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), an independent task force established by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), began a series of operations on Sunday, June 15, targeting illegal mining activities along the Birim River in the Eastern Region.
Acting on intelligence, the task force moved into the Kyebi area, specifically Asikam and Potrase. Illegal miners fled upon sighting the task force, abandoning their equipment. Four excavators were seized and disabled by removing their control boards. The operation continued into the early hours of Monday, June 16.
On Tuesday, June 17, the task force shifted to the Central Region, where illegal mining was polluting the Pra River. With support from four officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the team raided sites in Ayittey, Agave, Assin Asempaneye, and Ntowkrom in the Assin North Municipality.
Again, illegal miners fled the sites, some escaping across the river. The task force seized five excavators, which were handed over to the Assin North District Assembly, and immobilised three more entrenched at the scene.
Makeshift structures were demolished, and a range of mining equipment—including generators, pumping machines, and changfans—was destroyed. An ID card belonging to a Mr. Cobinah Timothy was recovered and is expected to aid in ongoing investigations.
On Thursday, June 19, the task force moved into the Western Region, where they uncovered a Chinese-led galamsey syndicate operating across the Jomoro, Ellembele, and Evalue Dwira districts.
Eleven Chinese nationals were arrested, and thirty-two excavators, changfans, and vehicles were seized. Structures that could not be relocated were destroyed.
The suspects were transported to Accra and officially handed over to Senior Inspector Jyampah of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Operations Department on Friday, June 20, for further investigation and action.
These operations underscore the widespread environmental destruction caused by illegal mining—polluted rivers, degraded farmlands, and ravaged ecosystems. While the task force is making significant headway, persistent challenges remain, including miners returning to cleared sites or relocating operations to new areas.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reaffirmed his commitment to ending galamsey.
“We are taking back our land and protecting our rivers. No one—foreign or local—will be allowed to destroy Ghana’s future for short-term gain. The era of impunity is over!”
The Director of Operations of NAIMOS added that raids will continue across all regions, with stricter enforcement and community cooperation key to clamping down on illegal mining once and for all.
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