The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has ramped up its efforts against illegal mining in the Western Region, conducting major operations that resulted in the destruction of mining equipment, the seizure of narcotics, and the voluntary surrender of hundreds of illegal miners.
Praising the operation in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, October 7, the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, commended NAIMOS for its dedication and effectiveness in the ongoing fight against galamsey. He characterised the operation as a crucial move to protect Ghana’s environment and communities from the harmful impact of illegal mining. NAIMOS reported that the operation led to the surrender of hundreds of locals involved in galamsey, drug use, and gambling.
Authorities also confiscated eleven parcels of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs during the raid. Several makeshift structures used as hideouts and drug dens were set on fire, and illegal mining equipment was destroyed. -Hundreds Surrender: Several hundred locals, mostly galamseyers, surrendered to the Task Force. These individuals were involved in various social vices, including illegal mining, trading, and narcotics smoking, as well as gambling. -Drugs Seized- Eleven parcels of Indian Hemp were seized, alongside other hard drugs,” parts of this X post stated.
The action follows a similar exercise in June 2025, when NAIMOS warned galamsey operators and criminal gangs to vacate the area—a directive that went unheeded.
While en route to Gangway, the Task Force also conducted operations in the Dadwen-Domping areas of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, where it seized 15 water pumping machines and a generator, and destroyed three chanfangs and several other illegal mining structures.
NAIMOS has reiterated its determination to sustain these operations to restore affected lands and curb the growing social and environmental impact of galamsey in the region.
Source: William Narh
