The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of rampant galamsey activities near the community’s police station.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, July 29, followed complaints from residents, affected farmers, and traditional leaders over the growing presence of illegal miners operating openly in the area.
According to reports, the NAIMOS Task Force, which had earlier conducted reconnaissance in the district, launched the intelligence-led operation targeting two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller locations.
During the raid, 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 disabled after officers removed critical components to prevent its continued use.
The operation further led to the seizure of a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects, while another suspect was found with GH¢120,000 in cash.
All 19 suspects, together with the seized items, have been taken into custody to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks and protecting Ghana’s land and natural resources.
The Secretariat also urged individuals involved in illegal mining to abandon the practice and appealed to the public to continue providing credible information to support the fight against galamsey.
