NAIMOS Disrupts Activities of Galamseyers in Intelligence-Led Operations at Wassa Akropong
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining with a successful intelligence-led operation at Wassa Akropong in the Western Region, disrupting activities of foreign-led galamsey operators.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, 17 January 2026, targeted two illegal mining sites at Mensah-Krom, following credible intelligence gathered by NAIMOS operatives already deployed in the region. The sites were being operated by Chinese nationals in collaboration with local accomplices and were actively engaged in surface mining along a forested stretch of land.
Upon arrival at the first location, the task force encountered two excavators in full operation, digging and washing ore in a manner that posed serious environmental threats, including land degradation and possible pollution of nearby water bodies. On sighting the security team, two Chinese nationals and five Ghanaian miners fled the scene into the surrounding bushes, abandoning the heavy equipment and other mining logistics.
Although an extensive search was conducted within the area, the suspects managed to evade arrest. However, the task force proceeded to disable and secure the excavators and other mining implements to prevent their further use. Additional items found at the site included water pumping machines, fuel drums, washing carpets, and temporary wooden structures used as shelters and processing points.
At the second site, similar illegal operations were discovered, with evidence of recent excavation and mineral processing. The task force dismantled the makeshift camp and destroyed equipment used for ore washing and water diversion.
NAIMOS also engaged chiefs, community leaders and residents of Mensah-Krom and surrounding settlements, urging them to collaborate with state authorities by providing timely intelligence on illegal mining activities and discouraging the youth from participating in galamsey.
The Secretariat reaffirmed that its operations across the Western Region and other hotspots will be sustained, with a focus on intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community engagement to permanently dismantle illegal mining networks and protect Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands and water bodies.
