NAIMOS intervenes in violent clash, disrupts illegal mining in Atiwa Forest Reserve

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Special Task Force recently intervened in a violent clash involving suspected illegal miners operating within the Atiwa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region. The confrontation reportedly featured machetes and resulted in one person sustaining serious injuries. The NAIMOS Task Force's swift response prevented further escalation of the conflict.

The injured individual was transported to the Asiakwa Police Station and later to a medical facility for treatment. Upon arriving at the scene, the Task Force initiated a reconnaissance patrol, revealing extensive evidence of illegal mining activities and environmental damage. The patrol identified numerous instances of illegal mining along river systems within the forest reserve, causing considerable degradation in various locations.

Due to the challenging terrain, with steep and rugged ground, conventional vehicles were restricted to foot, motorbike, and tricycle transport. While no arrests were made during the reconnaissance operation, the Task Force destroyed 15 makeshift structures and 11 water-pumping machines utilized for illegal mining purposes. Local information indicated that a significant number of illegal miners may be present within the Atiwa Forest Reserve, highlighting the ongoing issue.

NAIMOS has launched additional investigations into both the illegal mining activities and the incident causing the violence. The Secretariat pledged to intensify operations in the Atiwa Forest Reserve and adjacent regions to curb illegal mining, guard water bodies, and prevent additional environmental deterioration.