The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), working in partnership with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has successfully dismantled a significant illegal mining syndicate operating in the Oda River Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region. Acting on intelligence, authorities carried out an operation on October 23, 2025, resulting in the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed individuals impersonating National Security personnel. These impostors, wearing khaki uniforms and claiming to follow orders from a so-called “Major Jabari,” were found in possession of a pistol with three rounds, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs, all of which were seized as evidence.
During the operation, some individuals were caught attempting to bribe officials with GH₵120,000 in exchange for the release of the apprehended miners. These suspects were promptly detained for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers. Further investigation revealed that the illegal miners had set up a settlement deep within the forest, complete with wooden structures and tents used as operational bases. The task force destroyed these structures and equipment to prevent the site from being reoccupied.
NAIMOS said the operation exposed widespread environmental destruction, including deforestation and polluted water bodies in the reserve. Director of Operations, Colonel Dominic Buah, commended the joint effort, describing it as “a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
“No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity,” Colonel Buah stated. “Through sustained partnerships with the Regional Security Councils, NAIMOS will continue to identify, dismantle, and neutralize illegal mining operations across the country to protect our forests and water bodies for future generations.”
The operation marks a major step in the government’s renewed campaign to restore degraded forest reserves and clamp down on illegal mining across the country.
Source: Sammi Wiafe
