By: Felix Cofie
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has unleashed a powerful series of coordinated operations across the Western and Western North Regions, striking a major blow against illegal mining syndicates, foreign sponsors, and river destroyers. The sweeping actions — executed between October 5 and 9, 2025 — mark one of the most comprehensive anti-galamsey offensives in recent months, reclaiming rivers, forests, and communities long held hostage by illegal miners.
Gangway Falls — A Criminal Hotspot Erased
Addressing the media in Accra, the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, said this was the first major strike targeted at “Gangway,” a notorious illegal mining enclave at Aboso in the Prestea-Huni Valley District, where NAIMOS operatives launched a dawn raid on Monday, October 5, 2025.
Dozens of wooden shanties used by miners, drug dealers, and gamblers were torched as armed operatives stormed the area. The operation flushed out hundreds of illegal miners, with several arrested on-site.
The task force seized 11 wraps of Indian hemp, exposing the entrenched connection between galamsey and the drug trade. Along the nearby Dadwen–Dompim stretch, officers destroyed 15 water-pumping machines, three Changfang dredgers, and a generator, while several makeshift mining shelters were set ablaze.
This raid finally crushed years of defiance after repeated warnings from traditional authorities and government officials were ignored.
Ankobra River Reclaimed — Illegal Dredging Destroyed
Following the Aboso success, NAIMOS teamed up with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards to reclaim the Ankobra River, a vital waterway long threatened by illegal dredging.
Stretching from Gwira Eshiam to Anyinase, the operation revealed extensive river diversion activities at “Cocoa Ase” in Gwira Banso. Dozens of miners fled upon spotting the approaching task force.
Over 100 makeshift shelters were burned, seven dredging machines and 23 pumping machines were destroyed, while a Hyundai excavator found at Abrodiem was immobilized. Investigators also reopened the Kamei Stream, which had been blocked by miners for illegal operations.
“This is just the beginning. We are determined to restore Ghana’s rivers and protect the lives that depend on them,” a NAIMOS official declared.
Foreign Financiers Busted in Jomoro Forest
The most dramatic phase came on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when NAIMOS operatives executed a high-risk raid deep inside the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro, Western North Region.
After initial resistance from forest guards, the task force forced entry and intercepted a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (GR 442-14) carrying three suspects. Two Chinese nationals were arrested after a chase, while one escaped.
The site — disguised as a Community Mining Project — turned out to be a well-funded galamsey hub. Four excavators (three immobilized), heavy-duty water pumps, and several makeshift structures were destroyed.
Officials seized ₵10,050 cash, mobile phones, a control board, a drum of fuel, and other materials. Investigations later revealed that the Chinese suspects were key financiers of illegal mining in Jomoro, allegedly working under a concession issued by Chief Nana Kwame Nkansah.
In a related operation, NAIMOS raided the Bugart Mining site at Essipong in Asankrangua, where Burkinabe nationals were found working illegally. A CAT excavator was immobilized, and owners were ordered to present all foreign workers for verification.
Cape Three Points Forest Reserve — 28 Illegal Miners Arrested
On October 9, 2025, the NAIMOS Task Force stormed the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, arresting 28 illegal miners and seizing an excavator, water pumps, and other mining tools. The site revealed extensive environmental degradation, reinforcing the government’s determination to safeguard the nation’s remaining green cover.
Cumulative Results from the Operations
Across the four major raids — Aboso (Gangway), Ankobra River, Jomoro, and Cape Three Points — NAIMOS recorded the following seizures and destruction:
Excavators: 6 (4 immobilized in Jomoro, 1 in Abrodiem, 1 in Cape Three Points)
Water-Pumping Machines: 65+
Changfang Dredging Machines: 7
Heavy-Duty Water Pumps: 2
Generator: 1
Vehicles: 1 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (GR 442-14)
Cash: ₵10,200
Mobile Phones: 14
Indian Hemp: 28 wraps
Drum of Fuel: 1
Control Board & Monitor: 1 set
Makeshift Structures Destroyed: 120+
Blue Water Guards Survive Gunfire in Ellembelle Operation
In a separate but related operation, the Blue Water Guards narrowly escaped gunfire while clearing illegal mining sites along the Tandan River in the Ellembelle District on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
Working alongside the Ghana Police Service and National Security, the team dismantled several illegal setups at Adibreme and Esiama, destroying six Changfang machines, three water pumps, and five motorbikes belonging to miners.
Despite the hostile encounter, the task force succeeded in flushing out the miners and reclaiming the polluted sections of the river.
A National Message of Zero Tolerance
NAIMOS has reiterated that the fight against galamsey is a sustained national mission, not a one-time event. The Secretariat vowed to intensify collaborations with security agencies, local assemblies, and community watchdogs to uproot illegal mining networks — including their foreign financiers and local enablers.
This coordinated multi-front campaign has not only reclaimed vast portions of Ghana’s natural landscape but also sent a resounding message:
“The days of impunity in illegal mining are over.”
