NAIMOS intensifies galamsey crackdown, arrests 40 and seizes mining equipment across six regions

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified their crackdown on illegal mining activities across six regions in Ghana. From July 27th to August 2nd, 2026, the secretariat conducted operations in the Western North, Western, Ashanti, Ahafo, Savannah, and Eastern regions. Their efforts focused on the Ankobra, Bia, Torya, Tano, and Butre rivers, as well as reclaimed mining sites in the Desire Forest Reserve, Birim River, and Tepa-Goaso District.

Intelligence-led joint operations resulted in the arrest of 40 suspects, including eight Chinese nationals. Among the Ghanaians arrested were Luo Xiaoqiang, Fuxue Qiang, Lushao Adam, Razak Alhassan, Abdul Majeed Dauda, Bilal Yakubu, Mangel Yankey, and Iddrisu Alhassan. These individuals were seized along with various mining equipment and infrastructure, such as one excavator, one Toyota Land Cruiser, one excavator monitor, one generator, three motorbikes, nine water pumps, a single-barrel 12 gauge short gun, 14 water pumps, seven chanfang machines, four generators, and five makeshift structures supporting illegal mining operations.

NAIMOS troops also conducted extensive reconnaissance, uncovering evidence of prospecting and test excavations. They identified potential financiers and collaborators supporting illegal mining activities. However, community members were hesitant to provide information due to fear of intimidation and reprisals from illegal miners, as reported in the weekly NAIMOS update.

In the Western Region, on July 29th, 2026, the Task Force arrested 19 Ghanaians in Tarkwa Nsuaem, Mpohor, and Ellembelle. These suspects were handed over to the Esiama Police Station for further investigation.