The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of illegal mining activities being carried out near the community’s police station.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the NAIiOS Task Force on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, as part of efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the area.
Reports from the community indicated that illegal mining had become widespread in parts of the Mpohor Fiase District, with miners allegedly operating openly close to a police facility.
The situation had raised concerns among residents, affected farmers and traditional authorities, who called for urgent intervention.
The NAiMOS Task Force, which had earlier conducted reconnaissance in the area, targeted two major illegal mining sites before expanding the operation to several smaller sites.
During the exercise, the task force destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps and three makeshift structures reportedly used to support illegal mining operations.
An excavator found at one of the sites was also disabled after key components were removed to prevent further use.
Personnel further seized a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects arrested during the operation. Another suspect was found in possession of GHS120,000 in cash.
The 19 suspects and all seized items have been secured for further investigations and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
NAIMOS said it remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting their logistics and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
The Secretariat has also urged individuals engaged in illegal mining to abandon the practice and called on the public to continue providing credible information to support national efforts against galamsey.
