The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) launched a significant operation against illegal mining, often referred to as “galamsey,” in the Atwima Mponua Forest of Ghana’s Ashanti Region on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. This operation reflects the government’s intensified efforts to combat the pervasive issue of illegal mining that poses a severe threat to the country’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forests. The operation, spearheaded by the NAIMOS task force, was executed in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and troops from the 4th Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Army. The targeted area, Anhwiafutu, located within the Nkawie Forest District of the Offin Shelter Belt, has been a known hotspot for galamsey activities.
Acting on credible intelligence gathered discreetly from local residents, the task force initiated the raid in the early morning hours, catching the illegal miners off guard. Upon arrival at the site, the team discovered clear evidence of active illegal mining operations, including excavators and other related equipment scattered across the forest. The sudden appearance of the task force triggered a hasty retreat by the illegal miners, who abandoned their operations and fled the scene, leaving behind a trail of incriminating tools and equipment. This quick escape prevented any arrests from being made during the raid.
The task force meticulously combed the area, resulting in the seizure of significant assets used in the illegal mining operations. A total of nine excavators were found and subsequently immobilized due to logistical constraints preventing their immediate removal from the remote location. The team further impounded two Toyota Hilux pickups and one Nissan pickup, all of which had been strategically hidden within the forest. These vehicles are suspected to have been used in transporting personnel, equipment, and mined materials.
Beyond the heavy machinery and vehicles, the task force discovered and destroyed a range of equipment used in processing the mined materials. Five changfan machines, commonly used for separating gold from ore, were set ablaze. In addition, several other items associated with the illegal mining camp were destroyed, including large quantities of personal belongings, fuel dumps that posed a significant fire hazard, old excavator engines, and seven water pumping machines essential for the mining process. The destruction of this equipment aims to cripple the illegal mining operations and deter future activities in the area.
Expanding the scope of their operation, the task force proceeded to raid a nearby house suspected of housing Chinese nationals believed to be involved in the illegal mining activities. While the 12 individuals allegedly residing in the house had fled before the arrival of the task force, a search of the premises yielded further evidence of their involvement. The team uncovered 18 excavator batteries, 31 buckets of grease used for machinery maintenance, seven gas cylinders, a mini car washing machine, and an excavator radiator. The presence of these items further solidified the link between the house and the illegal mining operations.
Following the raid, the NAIMOS task force established a surveillance presence in the area to safeguard the seized equipment and deter any attempts to reclaim it. This action forms part of a broader national strategy to enhance monitoring and security around known galamsey hotspots across the country. The government’s sustained commitment to combating illegal mining underscores the seriousness of the problem and the dedication to protecting Ghana’s natural resources from further degradation caused by these illegal activities. The seized equipment and evidence gathered during the raid are expected to be used in further investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the illegal mining activities. The government remains committed to collaborating with local communities and leveraging intelligence to effectively tackle this ongoing challenge.
