The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, achieving another major success during an intelligence-led operation at Hiawa Koofrom in the Amenfi Central District of Ghana’s Western Region.
The operation, conducted after credible intelligence was received from an informant, led to the arrest of three Chinese galamsey operators, the seizure of a pump action shotgun with four cartridges, and the impounding of two excavators used in destructive mining along the Ankobrah River.
According to NAIMOS, the taskforce departed for the site around 0910 hours after receiving GPS coordinates pinpointing the illegal mining activity. On arrival, the team encountered both Chinese and Ghanaian illegal miners, many of whom fled into the forest after being alerted by local Okada riders. However, three Chinese suspects were successfully apprehended.
A Nissan Navara vehicle, several mobile phones, and the firearm were seized at the scene. The team also uncovered massive environmental destruction, including heaps of paydirt and sand deposits along the riverbank.
Following the arrests, the suspects were transported to NAIMOS Headquarters in Accra for further investigation. The excavators were handed over to the Enchi Regional Coordinating Committee for safekeeping pending legal directives.
While concluding the operation, the taskforce discovered another illegal mining site about 300 meters away, where chanfang machines were found and destroyed to prevent further environmental damage.
The Director of Operations at NAIMOS praised the team’s swift and tactical response despite difficult terrain and vehicle breakdowns, which highlighted the need for better logistical support to sustain future operations.
He reaffirmed NAIMOS’s zero-tolerance stance toward illegal mining, stressing that nationality or status will not shield offenders.
“This operation once again demonstrates NAIMOS’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests, rivers, and farmlands from destruction. We will continue to pursue offenders, seize their tools of destruction, and restore our environment for future generations,” he said.
The Hiawa Koofrom operation marks another successful enforcement action by NAIMOS, further establishing the Secretariat’s leadership role in Ghana’s ongoing fight against galamsey and environmental degradation.
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