The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners ‘galamseyers’ at Mpohor Fiase following reports of galamsey activities near the community’s police station.
Illegal mining activities have become deeply entrenched in parts of the Mpohor Fiase District in the Western region, with miners operating openly near a police station, causing residents, affected farmers, and traditional leaders to call for urgent government intervention.
In response to the calls, the NAIMOS Task Force, which had undertaken previous reconnaissance of the area, embarked on a stern operation on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt galamsey activities in the region.
During the operation, the NAIMOS Task Force targeted two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller sites in the area.
The Task Force destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps, and three makeshift structures used to support illegal mining activities.
An excavator was also found at one of the major sites, and critical components were removed to render it inoperable.
Personnel also seized a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects at the scene. The individual was among the 19 people arrested during the operation.
Additionally, a sum of GH¢120,000 in cash was found in the possession of another suspect.
The suspects and seized items have since been secured for the necessary investigations and further action in accordance with the law.
NAIMOS says it remains committed to sustained, intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal mining activities, dismantle the logistical networks that support them, and protect Ghana’s land and natural resources.
The Secretariat has reiterated its call for individuals engaged in illegal mining to desist from the practice and urged members of the public to continue supporting national efforts to combat illegal mining by providing credible information to the appropriate authorities.
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