The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested a suspected key organiser of illegal mining during a recent raid in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The suspect reportedly attempted to bribe the task force with ₵100,000, but NAIMOS officials refused the offer and proceeded with the arrest.
The operation took place along the Ayensu River in the Ayensuano District, a hotspot for galamsey (illegal mining) activities. NAIMOS officers seized mining equipment and shut down ongoing illicit operations at the site. According to authorities, the suspect played a leading role in coordinating illegal mining activities, which have caused significant environmental damage to the river and surrounding lands.
In addition to the cash bribe, the suspect was found in possession of a firearm, further highlighting the risks and criminal elements associated with illegal mining in the region. NAIMOS has emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on galamsey, targeting not just miners but also financiers and key organisers behind such operations.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has praised NAIMOS for its intelligence-led operations, which aim to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and restore degraded lands. The arrested individual is now assisting authorities with investigations and is expected to face prosecution.
This raid forms part of a broader crackdown by NAIMOS across Ghana. In a separate operation in the Amenfi Central District of the Western Region, the task force arrested three Chinese nationals, seized excavators, and recovered a pump-action shotgun. These operations reflect the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and curbing the destructive impact of illegal mining on rivers, farmlands, and communities.
NAIMOS continues to warn illegal miners and their collaborators that the crackdown will intensify. Authorities urge community members to report any illegal mining activities to help protect natural resources and ensure sustainable land management.
Source: Thepressradio.com
