In a shocking development, Ghana's National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has taken decisive action against illegal mining, arresting a foreign national from Burkina Faso in a raid near the Hwediem Goaso Highway, Ahafo Region. This operation is part of a larger effort to combat the pervasive issue of galamsey mining, which has wreaked havoc on the country's environment.
But here's where it gets controversial: NAIMOS operatives, in a coordinated strike, evicted illegal miners, including the Burkinabe national, who was allegedly working without the necessary legal permits. The suspect is now in custody, facing interrogation. This raid is just one of many conducted by NAIMOS since its inception in June 2025, each leaving a trail of seized equipment and arrested individuals.
The recent past has seen NAIMOS launch high-profile operations in several regions, including Western, Western North, Ashanti, and Eastern. In a series of raids between October 5 and 9, they arrested 30 people, including two Chinese nationals believed to be financing illegal mining networks. The seized items from these operations included excavators, water pumps, mobile phones, and even drugs, showcasing the extensive nature of these illegal operations.
One particularly notable raid occurred on October 8, deep within the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. NAIMOS operatives, after forcing their way past forest guards, arrested two Chinese nationals from a vehicle, while a third suspect escaped. This site, masquerading as a community project, was revealed to be a well-funded galamsey hub. The scale of the operation was evident from the significant cash and equipment seized.
NAIMOS's intelligence-led approach was further demonstrated on October 24 in Mankranso Abesua, Ashanti Region, where they apprehended ten Chinese nationals. Disguised as passengers, the operatives stormed the site, uncovering a cache of weapons, vehicles, and mining tools. These raids highlight the sophistication and organization of illegal mining operations in Ghana.
Officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources assert that these arrests and seizures are just the beginning. They plan to utilize intelligence-led operations to eradicate illegal mining, with the Attorney General's Department prosecuting offenders under mining laws. The government is also establishing specialized courts to expedite the processing of mining-related cases.
In a stern warning, National Security has cautioned chiefs, politicians, and opinion leaders against interfering in NAIMOS operations. Any attempt to intervene could result in their own arrest and prosecution. NAIMOS operates with a clear mandate from President John Dramani Mahama to restore the nation's environment, and security forces are committed to this cause.
The environmental damage caused by galamsey mining is staggering. According to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, 16% of Ghana's land reserves have been degraded by these activities. NAIMOS is seen as a beacon of hope in the fight against this destruction, with various ministries and security forces pledging support. The involvement of foreign nationals in these operations further complicates matters, raising questions about sovereignty and enforcement.
NAIMOS has promised to make the fight against galamsey a sustained national effort, collaborating with security agencies, local communities, and watchdogs to dismantle illegal mining networks. They assert that no one is above the law, and enforcement will be impartial. This ongoing battle against illegal mining in Ghana is a complex and challenging endeavor, with many stakeholders involved and significant environmental implications at stake.
