The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during a major operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of illegal mining activities taking place close to the community’s police station.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, July 29, followed complaints from residents, traditional authorities and farmers over the growing prevalence of galamsey in the area. Media reports had highlighted how illegal miners were operating openly near the police station, prompting renewed calls for decisive government intervention.
According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, its task force had earlier undertaken reconnaissance in the area before launching the operation as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining in the district.
The task force reportedly raided two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller sites within the enclave.
During the operation, personnel destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps and three makeshift structures believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal mining activities.
The task force also disabled an excavator found at one of the sites by removing critical components to prevent its further use in mining operations.
In a significant development, officers recovered a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects arrested during the exercise.
NAIMOS also disclosed that GH¢120,000 in cash was found in the possession of another suspect.
The 19 suspects, together with the seized exhibits, have been taken into custody to assist with investigations and to face further legal action.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against illegal mining, NAIMOS said it would continue to undertake sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks and protecting the country’s land, forests and water bodies.
The Secretariat also appealed to individuals engaged in illegal mining to abandon the practice and urged the public to support the national anti-galamsey campaign by providing credible information to the relevant security agencies.
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