NAIMOS Arrests 19 Suspected Illegal Miners in Mpohor Fiase Raid

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners at Mpohor Fiase following reports that galamsey activities were being carried out close to the community’s police station.

According to the Secretariat, illegal mining has become deeply entrenched in parts of the Mpohor Fiase District, with miners operating openly near the police station.

The situation prompted residents, affected farmers, and traditional leaders to call for urgent government intervention.

In response, the NAIMOS Task Force, which had earlier conducted reconnaissance in the area, launched a stern operation on Wednesday, July 29, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt galamsey in the region.

During the operation, the Task Force targeted two major illegal mining sites before moving to several smaller ones.

Personnel destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps, and three makeshift structures used to support the illegal activities. An excavator was also found at one of the major sites, and key components were removed to render it inoperable.

A pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition were seized from one of the suspects, who was among the 19 arrested. Another suspect was found in possession of GH¢120,000 in cash.

The suspects and all seized items have been secured for investigations and further legal action.

NAIMOS said it remains committed to sustained, intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal mining, dismantle the logistical networks that support it, and protect Ghana’s land and water resources.

The Secretariat also urged persons engaged in illegal mining to desist, and called on the public to continue providing credible information to the appropriate authorities to support the fight against galamsey.

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