The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it conducted 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel K.S. Appiah, disclosed this during a media engagement, where he outlined the Secretariat’s operational achievements and plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the operations covered approximately 50,662 kilometres and included reconnaissance, mobile and riverine patrols, special operations and community engagement.
He said the interventions targeted illegal mining activities, particularly around vulnerable water bodies, forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas.
74 firearms recovered, 1,970 changfan machines destroyed
During the period, NAIMOS task forces recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition. They also seized excavators, pumps, vehicles and other equipment allegedly used to support illegal mining.
Colonel Appiah said approximately 1,970 changfan machines and 863 makeshift structures had been destroyed.
Six suspects were also apprehended and handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and action.
“Our responsibility extends to preserving evidence and supporting the justice process so that enforcement can produce credible deterrence,” he said.
Bases established to sustain operations
Colonel Appiah said the operations were supported by forward operating bases and temporary operating bases established at strategic locations to maintain pressure on illegal mining hotspots and prevent activities from resuming in areas previously cleared.
In the Western Region, NAIMOS has established forward operating bases at Iziyama, Asankragua and Agona, with temporary bases at Prestea and Axim, according to the operational briefing.
The Enchi base supports operations in the Western North Region, particularly around the Tano and Bia river systems and adjoining forest areas.
In the Eastern Region, operations around Akyem Oda were described as being supported by a forward base at Kibi. Bases at Tepa and Manso Nkwanta support enforcement activities and the protection of reclamation sites in the Ashanti Region.
Colonel Appiah said NAIMOS had also conducted coordinated operations in the Central, Bono, Ahafo, Savannah and Northern operational areas, working with other security agencies, including the military and police.
The Secretariat plans to establish additional forward operating bases in 2027 to expand its operational reach and improve its response to emerging illegal mining activities.
Environmental recovery remains a priority
Colonel Appiah said the long-term objective was not simply to disrupt illegal mining but also to secure water bodies and forest reserves and support environmental recovery.
“Measurable environmental improvement remains an essential test of long-term success,” he said.
He stressed that sustained enforcement and follow-up operations would be necessary to prevent illegal miners from returning to areas where their activities had been disrupted.
NAIMOS says the effectiveness of its operations will ultimately depend on whether cleared areas remain protected and environmental conditions improve over time.