On Thursday, 5 February 2026, beginning at approximately 8:00 am, the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) Task Force conducted coordinated anti-illegal mining operations at two sites within the Mpohor District and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
A joint task force, comprising personnel from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, the Western North Command, National Security, and the Minerals Commission, executed an intelligence-led raid on an illegal mining site at Adum Banso (K9 concession).
The operation was led by the Deputy Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, ASP Charles Azalekor.
The site inspection confirmed that illegal miners had encroached on the “I Am Gold” concession. The area presented critical health and safety hazards, including several deep, excavated pits filled with stagnant water.
Three suspects, Danso Abora Gideon, Ibrahim Gideon, and Ganiru Kassim Ibrahim were apprehended and handed over to the Mpohor Police Station.
One excavator and two water pumping machines were confiscated. A large makeshift structure used in the illegal operations was also destroyed on-site.
The Adum Banso operation concluded at approximately 1200 hours.
Following the initial raid, the task force proceeded to a second identified illegal mining site located at Dompim in the Tarkwa Nsuaem municipality.
After hours of searching, the team seized one excavator and two water pumping machines, which were immobilized at the location.
The Deputy Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, ASP Charles Azalekor, affirmed that these operations demonstrate the continued resolve of REGSEC to combat illegal mining activities, protect lawful concessions, and mitigate the associated environmental and public safety risks.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
