NAIMOS ramps up anti-galamsey drive in Ashanti Region
Illegal mining operators in the Ashanti Region faced a major setback over the Valentine’s weekend as the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce launched a sweeping crackdown that dismantled several galamsey sites and confiscated heavy machinery, firearms, and other equipment.
A Weekend of Raids
The two-day operation, carried out on February 14 and 15, focused on Edwinase in the Bekwai Municipality and Wromanso in the Amansie Central District. Both areas have long been identified as hotspots for illegal mining, with activities contributing to deforestation, farmland destruction, and severe pollution of the River Offin.
At Edwinase, the taskforce stormed two sites where miners abandoned their posts upon sighting the team. Washing plants, motorcycles, tricycles, and makeshift shelters were destroyed. A Sany excavator was immobilised, and officers seized a pump-action gun loaded with 14 BB cartridges.
“At the first site, several illegal miners fled upon seeing our approach,” a NAIMOS spokesperson explained.
The second site yielded even more equipment: two Lingong excavators, three pumping machines, two pump-action guns, and a radiator. All were transported to Kumasi for safekeeping.
Environmental Damage at Wromanso
The following day’s operation shifted to Wromanso, where the taskforce encountered evidence of widespread environmental destruction. Farmlands had been ravaged, forest reserves degraded, and the River Offin heavily polluted. Abandoned pits left behind by miners posed additional hazards to local communities.
As miners fled, the taskforce destroyed small and industrial pumping machines, including several Changfang machines operating directly on the river. Two Sany excavators, a wheel loader, and an XCMG excavator were seized.
“We observed that many sites had been abandoned as a result of our sustained presence, which is encouraging,” the spokesperson noted.
Disrupting the Illegal Mining Chain
By the end of the weekend, NAIMOS reported the seizure of six excavators, four pumping machines, one wheel loader, three pump-action guns, and other equipment. Officials stressed that the raids were not only about confiscation but also about breaking the operational chain of illegal mining.
“Our operations are meant to disrupt the illegal mining value chain and send a strong deterrent message,” the spokesperson added.
Looking Ahead
The Secretariat has signaled its intention to intensify operations in the Ashanti Region. To sustain momentum, NAIMOS is seeking additional logistics support, including lowbeds, speedboats, and life jackets, to strengthen its ability to combat galamsey across difficult terrains and waterways.
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