NAIMOS taskforce arrests 8 suspected illegal miners in Western North Region
Eight suspected illegal miners, including two Chinese nationals, have been arrested in the Western North Region during a targeted operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, July 29, at Sikaniasem in the Akontombra District, focused on illegal mining activities that were damaging a stream and a nearby forest reserve.
During the exercise, the task force found three excavators at the site and removed key components from some of the equipment to render them inoperable. Officers also destroyed two water pumps being used for the illegal mining activities.
In addition, the team confiscated a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and a generator believed to have been used to support the operation.
The eight suspects, along with the seized equipment, are in custody to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the financiers and other individuals believed to be behind the illegal mining operation.
The raid is part of ongoing nationwide efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to cause extensive damage to Ghana’s forests, rivers, farmlands and biodiversity.
Authorities have reaffirmed their determination to target not only those directly engaged in illegal mining but also the financiers and networks that enable and benefit from the unlawful activities.
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