NAIMOS Intensifies Crackdown in Eastern and Central Regions

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide fight against illegal mining, extending coordinated operations across the Eastern and Central Regions as part of the fifth day of sustained enforcement actions.

Acting on credible intelligence, the task force launched a targeted raid within the Prankese enclave in the Kwabibirim District between 0730hrs and 1045hrs. Upon arrival, it was evident that operators had vacated the site shortly before the team’s entry, likely due to prior warning of the task force’s movements.

A detailed sweep of the area revealed fresh excavator tracks leading into a nearby cocoa farm, where three (3) heavy-duty excavators had been concealed within cultivated crops.

One (1) Sany excavator was successfully retrieved and transported to Accra on a low-bed trailer, while a Liugong and an XCMG excavator were immobilised on-site after essential components, including monitors and control boards, were removed to prevent their relocation. Five (5) water pumping machines, gold trapping carpets, yellow jerricans and other mining accessories were destroyed. The operation concluded without injuries.

In a related development, NAIMOS conducted a follow-up reconnaissance and enforcement mission along the Birim River at Takrowase. The operation formed part of efforts to prevent illegal miners from resuming activities along the riverbanks and within the water body itself.

Upon sighting the task force, several miners fled across the river to evade arrest. However, operatives dismantled and destroyed fifty-six (56) chanfan machines, five (5) water pumping machines and several improvised boats used as floating mining platforms. The Secretariat noted that despite earlier interventions, some operators continue to attempt re-entry into cleared zones.

Later in the day, at approximately 1630hrs, the task force extended its operations to Assin Asamang near Assin Kushea in the Assin Central District. The team raided an active mining enclave covering nearly one square kilometre. An estimated sixty (60) illegal miners abandoned the site upon detecting the approach of the task force.

A comprehensive sweep of the area led to the discovery of eleven (11) excavators. Six (6) had already been disabled by their operators, while the remaining five – two (2) Sany machines, one (1) XCMG, one (1) Shantui and one (1) Zoomlion – were immobilised by the task force through the removal of monitors, control boards and pilot oil pumps due to the unavailability of low-bed transport. In addition, one (1) metallic gold-washing platform was demolished using on-site machinery, while fifteen (15) makeshift structures, thirteen (13) motorbikes, three (3) heavy-duty multipurpose pumps and sixteen (16) standard water pumping machines were destroyed.

Road construction foremen working within the enclave reported deliberate sabotage of a bridge and a major road project under construction. According to the construction crew, illegal miners had repeatedly intimidated workers and obstructed progress, creating serious safety concerns. The team expressed relief at NAIMOS’ intervention.

Preliminary findings from the operations indicate severe pollution of the Birim River and the River Pra through direct discharge of mining waste. The Secretariat also observed that illegal mining activities have escalated beyond land degradation to include deliberate interference with public infrastructure.

Operational challenges remain significant. Miners frequently use rivers as natural escape routes, absconding to opposite banks upon the task force’s arrival, which hinders arrests. Additionally, intelligence leaks appear to alert operators ahead of enforcement actions, allowing them to vacate sites and disable machinery before seizure.

The Director of Operations has underscored the urgent need for strengthened local security coordination following NAIMOS interventions. He emphasised that once illegal miners are driven out of forest reserves and water bodies, the local security architecture must immediately assume control and maintain a sustained presence to prevent re-entry and rapid reoccupation.

He further called for enhanced operational secrecy and closer collaboration with Blue Water Guards to provide real-time intelligence and rapid interdiction capabilities along affected water bodies.

All operations were conducted successfully, with no casualties recorded.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, intelligence-led enforcement to safeguard Ghana’s water resources, agricultural lands and critical infrastructure from the destructive impact of illegal mining.

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