Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining has seen a surge in coordinated activities across three regions, leading to significant seizures, arrests, and the disruption of harmful mining operations near crucial water bodies.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a specialized Task Force established by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), intensified its operations on Sunday, June 15. The operations targeted illegal miners along the Birim River in the Eastern Region.
On the strength of reliable information, the task force launched operations in the Kyebi general area, specifically Asikam and Potrase. The illegal miners abandoned their sites upon sighting the task force, leaving behind their equipment and tools. Four excavators were confiscated and rendered inoperative by removing their control boards. The operation extended into the early hours of Monday, June 16, 2025.
The following day, Tuesday, June 17, the task force shifted attention to the Central Region, where illegal mining was contaminating the Pra River. Accompanied by four NADMO officials, the task force conducted raids in Ayittey, Agave, Assin Asempaneye, and Ntowkrom in the Assin North Municipality.
Upon spotting the task force, the illegal miners fled, with some crossing the river to escape arrest. Nevertheless, the task force seized five excavators, which were handed to the Assin North District Assembly, and immobilized three more at the site. Makeshift structures were demolished, and equipment, including generators, pumping machines, and changfans, were destroyed. An ID card belonging to one Mr. Cobinah Timothy was found, which could aid in further investigations.
On Thursday, June 19, the task force targeted the Western Region, uncovering a Chinese-led illegal mining syndicate spanning Jomoro, Ellembele, and Evalue Dwira districts. Eleven Chinese nationals were arrested, and their equipment, including thirty-two excavators, changfans, and vehicles, were seized. Any structures that couldn’t be transported 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 20th, for further action.
The operations underscore the extensive damage caused by illegal mining, such as polluted rivers, degraded farmland, and ruined ecosystems. While the task force is making headway, challenges persist, including miners returning to sites or moving their operations.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling this issue and aims to eradicate illegal mining. “We are reclaiming our land and safeguarding our rivers,” the Minister said.
“No person, whether foreign or local, will be permitted to jeopardize Ghana’s future for short-term profit. The era of impunity is over!” He added.
The Director of Operations of NAIMOS has indicated that there will be continual raids, stricter enforcement, and community cooperation is needed to curb illegal mining.
