The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of galamsey activities near the community's police station.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, targeted two major illegal mining sites before extending to several smaller sites in the area.

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According to NAIMOS on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the operation was launched after residents, affected farmers, and traditional leaders raised concerns over illegal mining activities taking place openly near the police station.

“In response to the calls, the NAIMOS Task Force, which had undertaken previous reconnaissance of the area, embarked on a stern operation on Wednesday, July 29, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt galamsey activities in the region. During the operation, the NAIMOS Task Force targeted two major illegal mining sites before extending the exercise to several smaller sites in the area,” portions of the statement read.

The task force stated that during the operation, the task force destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps, and three makeshift structures used to support illegal mining activities.

An excavator found at one of the major mining sites was also disabled after officers removed critical components to prevent its use.

The task force also recovered a pump-action gun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects arrested at the scene.

Additionally, officers found GH¢120,000 in cash in the possession of another suspect.

The suspects and all seized items have since been taken into custody to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.

NAIMOS said it remains committed to intensifying operations against illegal mining across the country.

"NAIMOS remains committed to sustained, intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal mining activities, dismantle the logistical networks that support them, and protect Ghana's land and natural resources," the statement indicated.

The Secretariat also urged those involved in illegal mining to abandon the practice and appealed to the public to support the fight against galamsey.

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"The Secretariat reiterates its call for individuals engaged in illegal mining to desist from the practice and urges members of the public to continue supporting national efforts to combat illegal mining by providing credible information to the appropriate authorities," it added.





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