The fight against illegal mining in the Western North Region has taken a new turn following the arrest of eight suspected illegal miners, including two Chinese, during a special operation by personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, July 29, at Sikaniasem in the Akontombra District, targeted illegal mining activities that were degrading a stream and a nearby forest area.
During the raid, the task force discovered three excavators at the site and retrieved critical components from some of the machines to prevent their further use. Two water pumps used in the illegal mining operations were also destroyed.
The team further seized a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and a generator believed to have been used to support the illegal mining activities.
All eight suspects, together with the seized items, have been secured to assist ongoing investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.
NAIMOS said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the financiers and other individuals suspected of facilitating the illegal mining operations in the area.
The latest operation forms part of intensified nationwide efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to threaten Ghana’s forests, water bodies, farmlands, and biodiversity.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing not only illegal miners on the ground but also the individuals and networks that fund and profit from the destructive activities.
By Mathew Ahiaveh
