By Felix Cofie
Ghana’s battle against illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—has escalated with a sweeping crackdown across three regions, leading to multiple arrests, seizure of heavy equipment, and the destruction of illicit mining sites near vital water bodies.
The operations, led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)—a dedicated task force established by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP)—commenced on Sunday, June 15, with a focus on the Eastern Region.
Eastern Region: Birim River Targeted
Acting on intelligence, the task force stormed the Kyebi area, particularly Asikam and Potrase, where illegal miners had been operating dangerously close to the Birim River. Although the miners fled upon spotting the team, four (4) excavators were seized and immobilized by removing their control boards. The operation continued into the early hours of Monday, June 16.
Central Region: Pra River Polluters Disrupted
On Tuesday, June 17, the team moved into the Central Region, targeting illegal operations contaminating the Pra River. In collaboration with officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), raids were conducted at Ayittey, Agave, Assin Asempaneye, and Ntowkrom in the Assin North Municipality.
Miners once again fled, with some crossing the river to evade arrest. The task force, however, confiscated five (5) excavators, immobilized three others, and demolished makeshift structures. Additional equipment—such as generators, pumping machines, and changfans—was destroyed. A national ID belonging to one Mr. Cobinah Timothy was recovered and is expected to aid ongoing investigations.
Western Region: Chinese Syndicate Busted
The operation climaxed on Thursday, June 19, in the Western Region, where a Chinese-led illegal mining syndicate was uncovered operating across Jomoro, Ellembele, and Evalue Dwira districts.
In a major breakthrough, eleven (11) Chinese nationals were arrested. The task force seized thirty-two (32) excavators, numerous changfans, and several vehicles. Structures that could not be moved were destroyed on-site. The suspects were transferred to Accra and formally handed over to Senior Inspector Jyampah of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Operations Department on Friday, June 20, for further processing.
Widespread Damage and Continued Threat
The operations underscore the massive environmental toll of illegal mining in Ghana—polluted rivers, degraded farmlands, and destroyed ecosystems. While the task force is making gains, authorities caution that many miners return to sites or relocate operations after raids.
Minister Vows Sustained Action
Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed government’s determination to end the galamsey menace.
“We are taking back our land and protecting our rivers,” the Minister declared. “No one—foreign or local—will be allowed to destroy Ghana’s future for short-term gain. The era of impunity is over.”The Director of Operations at NAIMOS confirmed that further raids are planned, alongside stricter enforcement measures and enhanced collaboration with local communities.
As the fight continues, the government is urging all stakeholders to support efforts to reclaim degraded lands, restore polluted rivers, and preserve Ghana’s environment for future generations.
3 Responses
His Honorable Minister,please try your best with your team to come to the Eastern Region-Nkawkaw-Noyem-Amuanapraso ,We are not happy with the Ongoing Galamsey Activity
His Honorable Minister, I reside at, Eastern Region-Nkawkaw-Noyem-Amuanapraso ,please come to this location due to the unhappiness of the galamsey activity
What jobs has the government provide for them ,doing this will brings in arm robbery in the system, cuz a lot of does doing the galamsey are x convit,