By Felix Cofie
A major anti-galamsey operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has resulted in the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners following a dramatic dawn swoop at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, April 30, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities within the concession of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited. Authorities say the action was in direct response to a brazen ambush on NAIMOS personnel two days earlier.
According to officials, the task force had come under sustained gunfire on April 28 while monitoring illegal mining activities in the area. Armed suspects reportedly opened fire on a NAIMOS vehicle using pump-action weapons, forcing operatives to withdraw tactically without casualties. The incident triggered an intelligence-led operation to track down those responsible.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAIMOS deployed a coordinated cordon-and-search exercise between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., leading to the arrest of 114 individuals, who were subsequently screened at the Adiewoso Community Centre.
After verification, 49 individuals were identified as suspected illegal miners operating within the GREL plantation and were handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigations. Others detained included eight GREL casual workers and 12 senior high school students, all of whom were later released after being cleared of wrongdoing. Three of the suspects were confirmed to be foreign nationals from Niger and Burkina Faso.
The operation also led to significant seizures. Security personnel recovered a pump-action firearm and large sums of cash believed to be proceeds from illegal mining—GH₵140,000 found in a Toyota Raize and an additional GH₵86,710 discovered in a Toyota Hilux. The Hilux owner, identified as Ebenezer Cobbinah, was arrested and is assisting with investigations. Suspected gold substances, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and cartons of cigarettes linked to the illicit activities were also confiscated.
A joint team of GREL management and officers from the Agona Ahanta Police Command supported the operation, helping to distinguish legitimate plantation workers from suspects.
Authorities say the operation underscores NAIMOS’ resolve to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in areas where it threatens lawful concessions and livelihoods.
The Secretariat has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources, warning that armed resistance or intimidation will not deter ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal mining across the country.
