The National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, NAIMOS, has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, destroying equipment and arresting five Chinese nationals in operations across the Western North and Eastern regions on Monday, 29 December 2025.
In the Western North Region, a NAIMOS taskforce stormed several illegal mining sites at Hiawa in the Amenfi Central District, where miners had returned to previously cleared locations. The operation led to the destruction of makeshift structures, water pumping machines and wooden gold washing platforms used in the illegal activities.
According to NAIMOS, the illegal miners were operating with complete disregard for environmental laws, causing severe damage to water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands in the area.
On the same day at about 1340 hours, another NAIMOS team carried out a series of raids at Akyem Oda in the Birim Central Municipality, targeting illegal mining activities along the Birim River. The operation resulted in the arrest of five Chinese nationals who were actively mining and washing directly into the river.
Two excavators found at the site were immobilized, while a Toyota Hilux pickup and a Toyota Land Cruiser used by the suspects were seized by the taskforce. Several temporary structures, water pumping machines and other mining equipment at the site were also destroyed.
NAIMOS said the operations form part of an intensified festive season crackdown along major water bodies to prevent further pollution and protect the country’s natural resources.
The secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against illegal mining and warned that persons who continue to engage in galamsey will face the full force of the law.
