By Ghana News 
Ghanaians worried about the rapid destruction of our vital water bodies and forest reserves can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide crackdown, arresting 40 suspects and seizing heavy excavators, firearms, and illegal mining equipment across six regions.
The intelligence-driven security sweeps took place between July 27 and August 2, 2026. Task force officers targeted high-risk illegal mining hotspots located within the Western North, Western, Ashanti, Ahafo, Savannah, and Eastern regions.
Operation teams focused heavily on protecting polluted water bodies, clearing illegal sites along the Ankobra, Bia, Torya, Tano, Birim, and Butre rivers. Officers also cleared illegal camps operating inside the Desire Forest Reserve and reclaimed lands around Enchi and Tepa-Goaso.
In the Western North Region, security forces raided Sikaniasem on July 29, arresting eight suspects, including two Chinese nationals named Luo Xiaoqiang and Fuxue Qiang, alongside six Ghanaians.
Task force officers seized an excavator, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a 12-gauge shotgun, water pumps, and generators at the scene. Team members also destroyed 14 water pumps, four generators, and seven chanfang machines used to pollute local rivers.
Reconnaissance missions in Dadieso, Sefwi Ahibenso, and surrounding villages uncovered ongoing illegal prospecting. Security reports identified key financiers allegedly backing galamsey operations in the area, including Nana Osei Bonsu, Ezana Kasei Awudu, and Emmanuel Amoah.
Operations across the Western Region yielded major results in Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Mpohor, and Ellembelle. Officers arrested 19 Ghanaian suspects on July 29, transferring them directly to the Esiama Police Station for further investigations.
During the sweep, officers recovered GH¢120,000 in cash from a suspect identified as Isaac Amponsah. The task force confiscated an excavator, control boards, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and destroyed 29 chanfang machines.
Follow-up raids across Wassa Amenfi West targeting Asankragua, Breman, and Samreboi led to the destruction of more illegal structures and water pumps. Security officers disabled heavy machinery by removing crucial electrical control units.
In the Ashanti, Ahafo, Savannah, and Eastern regions, task force officers arrested 13 additional suspects, bringing the total weekly arrests to 40 individuals.
An intelligence-led raid at Kadadwen on July 30 yielded a Zoomlion excavator, a white Zonda pickup truck, heavy-duty generators, and power control boxes. Officers deposited the seized equipment at local police stations in Wassa-Simpa and Tarkwa for evidence processing.
NAIMOS management reaffirmed its strong commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations across all regions to eliminate galamsey, protect natural resources, and restore Ghana’s environment.
Also Read: NAIMOS Operation: Ashanti Galamsey Fight Exposes Need for Stronger Support
