A major crackdown by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has led to the arrest of a suspected galamsey kingpin and her partner in the Ashanti Region.
Thirty-six-year-old Comfort Abayie and her 28-year-old partner, Abraham Ayenga, were arrested during a high-level, intelligence-led raid at Akomfrem in the Atwima Mponua District, where illegal mining activities were actively destroying the Offin River.
The operation, carried out on April 25, 2026, lasted nearly nine hours and yielded significant results.
According to reports, the suspects boldly claimed ownership of the illegal mining site despite lacking the required legal documentation to operate.
As NAIMOS operatives stormed the area, other illegal miners fled, abandoning equipment and other evidence.
Items seized include:
- A wine-coloured Honda CR-V
- A wine-coloured JMC pickup
- Multiple high-end smartphones, including iPhone 13, 16, and 17 Pro Max models
- Suspected unrefined gold dust
- Equipment destroyed on site:
- Six Changfan machines mounted directly on the river
- One diesel welding machine
- Pipelines, water hoses, and temporary structures
This was not just an arrest, but a major takedown of an illegal mining operation that was severely impacting one of Ghana’s vital rivers.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nyinahini District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS has issued a strong warning to illegal miners to stay off Ghana’s rivers and forest reserves or face the full force of the law.
The fight against galamsey is far from over, this operation signals an intensifying crackdown.
By Mathew Ahiaveh
