As part of 31st December operations to climax the year 2025, the NAIMOS Taskforce currently operating in the Western and Western North Regions, conducted massive raids on sites at Gwira Banso in Evalue Gwira District, specifically at communities along the Ankobra River.
The illegal miners bolted on sighting the NAIMOS team at the various sites.
The taskforce embarked on the operations to flush out illegal miners who have been operating along and directly on the Ankobra River.
Several Dredging Platforms of Chanfangs, pipelines, and water pumping machines among others were destroyed.
The Taskforce also set ablaze several make-shift structures constructed along the banks of the river to facilitate the Galamsey activities.
In a related development, a taskforce from NAIMOS has Stormed several illegal Mining Sites at Hiawa, in the Amenfi Central District.
The task force destroyed assorted illegal mining equipment including makeshift structures, water pumping machines and wooden gold washing platforms among others.
This is contained in a press statement issued on December 29.
“The Taskforce has intensified its anti galamsey crackdown at areas currently reoccupied by the illegal miners and causing severe havoc to water bodies, forests and farmlands in complete disregard of all environmental laws and regulatory oversight,” the statement added.
In a related development, NAIMOS has arrested five Chinese for mining illegally along the Birim River.
The arrest took place on December 29, 2026.
“NAIMOS commenced the conduct of series of raids on illegal mining sites at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality. The raids led to the arrest of five (5) Chinese illegal miners who were actively mining and washing into the Birim river,” a statement released by NAIMOS said.
It added that “Two excavators found at the site were immobilized. One Toyota Hillux pickup and another Toyota Land cruiser used by the arrested Chinese illegal miners were seized by the taskforce. Several makeshift structures erected at the sites were destroyed together with some water pumping machines and other mining equipment.”
“NAIMOS continues its crackdown along major water bodies during the festive season to prevent further pollution,” it assured.
It would be recalled that in September, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, declared forest reserves and river bodies as Security Zones that will be protected at all costs.
“You are the sharpened tip of the spear. Any recalcitrant entrant into these declared Security Zones is not merely a trespasser; they are an enemy of the state and are to be treated as such. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless against those who seek to profit from the destruction of our common heritage and at our expense.” Mr Buah charged.
He further emphasized that the NAIMOS personnel will be deployed permanently in the forest reserves and along the river bodies to provide sustained protection.
The Minister urged them to embody vigilance, integrity, and courage, with the assurance that the President and well-meaning Ghanaians are relying on them to secure the environment for future generations. “We cannot fail, and we will not fail,” he emphasized.
Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
Mr Buah commended the team for their relentless efforts and achievements chalked since its establishment in June this year.
Notable among the achievements are the arrests of over a thousand illegal miners, the repossession of nine (9) previously “no-go” forest reserves, and the confiscation of over 900 water pumps machines which have been handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers with irrigation.
“These are not mere statistics. They are victories; victories for our land, for our water, and for our people,” He added.
He reminded the task force that the battle is far from over. He described the training not as a routine exercise but as a convergence of purpose – sharpening skills, building cohesion, and harmonizing efforts among the Ghana Army, Police Service, Immigration Service, NIB, and NACOC officers as one united force.
The Minister also outlined the Ministry’s 5-Pronged Strategy which combines strict enforcement, engagement and education, provision of alternative livelihoods, technological innovation, and institutional coordination.
He noted that the training modules, covering weapons handling, field craft, IED awareness, and intelligence coordination were deliberately designed to prepare the team to deal with evolving threats.
The Field Task Force training marks a pivotal moment in government’s aggressive anti-galamsey strategy not only scaling up enforcement but also sustaining reforms in the mining sector to ensure responsible and sustainable practices across the country.
