The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its enforcement operations in the Western Region following the recent inauguration of Community Mining Schemes in the Ahanta West and Nzema East municipalities.

According to NAIMOS, the renewed enforcement drive is aimed at preventing regulated community mining schemes from being used as a cover for illegal mining in adjoining communities, farms, plantations, roadsides, riverbanks and other unauthorised locations.

As part of the operations, a NAIMOS task force conducted an enforcement patrol in the Yakaw area of the Ahanta West Municipality on October 20, 2026, where several suspected illegal miners were found operating in palm plantations.

The task force raided the sites and arrested 14 suspected illegal miners, who were subsequently handed over to the Agona Police Station for further investigation.

During the operation, personnel also destroyed 19 chanfang machines, 18 water pumps and two makeshift structures used to support illegal mining activities.

Scrap metal and other materials recovered from the dismantled sites were removed with support from personnel of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).

NAIMOS said the Yakaw operation demonstrated its determination to extend enforcement beyond illegal mining activities carried out directly in rivers.

The Secretariat noted that illegal miners were increasingly moving into farmlands, cocoa and palm plantations, roadside areas and other locations to evade enforcement.

It stressed that Community Mining Schemes provide a regulated framework for eligible miners to operate within approved areas and under prescribed conditions. The schemes, it added, do not authorise mining outside approved concessions.

NAIMOS warned that miners operating outside the law should expect sustained enforcement action. It said illegal mining sites would be targeted, operations disrupted, equipment handled in accordance with applicable procedures, and suspects apprehended and handed over for investigation and possible prosecution.

The Secretariat maintained that the availability of Community Mining Schemes leaves no justification for continued illegal mining. It warned that individuals who disregard the lawful framework and continue to destroy farms, plantations, roadsides and water bodies would face decisive action.

NAIMOS said it would continue working with security agencies, local authorities and other relevant institutions to protect responsible and lawful mining while systematically disrupting illegal mining activities across the Western Region and other affected parts of the country.