The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 49 suspected illegal miners during a dawn operation at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality, Western Region.

According to citinewsroom.com, NAIMOS reported that its operatives were ambushed by illegal mining syndicates, which led to the arrest.

The operation in the early hours of Thursday, April 30, 2026, targeted illegal mining within Ghana Rubber Estates Limited’s plantation.

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NAIMOS noted that the operation was launched after personnel stationed in Nzema East came under gunfire.

“The assailants discharged multiple rounds from pump-action weapons at one of the taskforce’s Zonda pickup vehicles,” it stated.

It further noted that its operatives were able to withdraw tactically without suffering casualties.

After the attack occurred, NAIMOS initiated an intelligence-led operation at Adiewoso and the surrounding communities.

NAIMOS apprehended and screened 114 individuals, later identifying 49 as suspected illegal miners in the GREL plantation.

NAIMOS said eight of those screened were confirmed to be casual workers of GREL, while 12 were senior high school students.

Three of the arrested suspects were foreign nationals: Abdul Karim from Niger, and Nash Ishaku and Eliyasu Sie, both from Burkina Faso.

JKB/SEA

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