The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an intelligence-led operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of illegal mining activities taking place near the community’s police station.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, followed complaints from residents, farmers and traditional leaders over the growing incidence of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the area. According to reports, the miners had been operating openly close to the community police station, prompting calls for immediate government intervention. The NAIMOS Task Force, which had earlier conducted reconnaissance in the area, launched the operation targeting two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller sites.
During the operation, the task force destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps and three makeshift structures used to facilitate illegal mining activities. An excavator found at one of the sites was also rendered inoperable after critical components were removed to prevent its further use.
The operation also led to the recovery of a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects. Another suspect was found with GH¢120,000 in cash, which has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
All 19 suspects have been taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits have been secured to assist investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.
NAIMOS said it remains committed to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting the logistics that support them and protecting Ghana’s land, water bodies and other natural resources.
The Secretariat further urged persons engaged in illegal mining to abandon the practice and called on the public to continue supporting the fight against galamsey by providing credible information to the appropriate authorities.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
