By Felix Cofie
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has led a decisive and intelligence-driven operation that dismantled entrenched illegal mining networks and arrested armed impostors posing as National Security operatives within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The coordinated mission, executed in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), forms part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities that continue to devastate Ghana’s protected forest reserves.
According to NAIMOS officials, the elite taskforce launched the joint operation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The mission led to the arrest of 15 illegal miners and nine armed impostors who had infiltrated the reserve under the guise of National Security personnel.
Armed Impostors Arrested
The impostors, dressed in khaki uniforms, claimed to be acting under the command of a certain Major Jabari. A search of the men revealed a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun with cartridges, two handcuffs, and eight pouches — all seized as exhibits for further investigation.
Bribery Attempt Foiled
In a separate encounter, NAIMOS intelligence operatives foiled an attempted bribery by individuals who arrived in a Toyota Tundra and a Ram pickup, claiming to represent the arrested miners. The suspects offered GH₵100,000 and an additional GH₵20,000 as “chop money” in exchange for the release of their associates. The operatives feigned acceptance before arresting the bribery suspects on the spot.
Environmental Devastation Uncovered
Further inspection of the forest revealed extensive environmental damage. Areas that had previously been reclaimed and replanted with trees and palm seedlings were once again scarred by illegal mining activities. Large portions of land had been stripped bare, with nearby water bodies contaminated and vegetation destroyed.
The taskforce also discovered a sprawling makeshift settlement deep inside the forest — complete with wooden structures and tents used as living quarters and operational bases by illegal miners. Acting under environmental protection directives, NAIMOS dismantled and set these structures ablaze to prevent reoccupation.
Coordinated National Effort
Meanwhile, another NAIMOS taskforce in the Western North Region simultaneously raided illegal mining sites at Oda Ahenkro in the Amenfi West District, disrupting mining operations and destroying equipment and makeshift camps.
Commitment to Enforcement
Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, praised the joint effort with the Ashanti REGSEC, describing the operation as “a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
“No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity,”
Colonel Buah declared. “Through sustained partnerships with the Regional Security Councils, NAIMOS will continue to identify, dismantle, and neutralize illegal mining operations across the country to protect our forests and water bodies for future generations.”
A Milestone in the Anti-Galamsey Fight
The successful operation at Oda River Forest Reserve marks a major milestone in Ghana’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining. It underscores the growing effectiveness of joint enforcement operations between NAIMOS and Regional Security Councils in restoring order to the nation’s most vulnerable ecological zones.
