By Philip Antoh
Ghana is intensifying its battle against illegal mining as two key national task forces, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, have started simultaneous enforcement actions in the Eastern and Western Regions.
They are dismantling mining sites, confiscating heavy machinery, and restoring damaged lands.
This joint effort, which commenced on Monday, October 13, is one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on illegal mining this year.
It highlights the government’s renewed commitment to safeguarding cocoa farmlands, forest reserves, and water bodies from the harmful effects of galamsey.
During a press conference in Accra, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, stated that these intensified operations signify “a decisive national commitment to reclaim Ghana’s environment from illegal mining syndicates.”
NAIMOS Target Eastern Region
Based on intelligence information, NAIMOS agents carried out several raids in Oda Nkwanta, Birim Central Municipality, and the Akanteng–Asamankese region.
The task force found many active illegal mining sites that were harming cocoa farms and contaminating the tributaries of the River Birim.
Upon the team’s arrival, miners fled, leaving behind three excavators, five motorbikes, and various other items such as excavator batteries and computer monitors.
One excavator was located hidden deep in thick vegetation — indicating the increasing sophistication of illegal operators.
The operations also reached Old Abirem, Kyenkyenku, and the Oboho Forest Reserve, where several excavators, fuel drums, and heavy-duty pumps were destroyed.
In the Oboho Reserve area, four excavators were found parked in nearby villages, raising suspicions of outside support for these activities.
Blue Water Guards Target Western Region
In the Western Region, the Blue Water Guards carried out a series of coordinated attacks in Wassa Agona, Bogoso, Bayerigya, and Mpohor, aimed at stopping the destruction of water bodies and farmland.
On October 14, the team carried out a high-intensity operation at Mile 9 in the Mpohor Fiase District, destroying equipment used for illegal mining.
A day later, the Tarkwa Nsuaem team raided Wassa Agona, a hotspot along the River Bonsa confiscating 22 pumping machines and 18 Changfang extraction units, which were destroyed on site.
The enforcement efforts continued on October 16, with early morning operations in Bogoso and Bayerigya within the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality as several machines and mining components were seized or destroyed during these raids.
Sustained Enforcement Effort
Officials from NAIMOS and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have emphasized that the ongoing crackdown is part of a sustained, nationwide effort to dismantle illegal mining networks and protect Ghana’s environment.
“The government will keep pursuing and prosecuting offenders, restore degraded lands, and protect our rivers and forests for future generations,” Ms. Mawuenyefia stated.
These recent actions are part of a larger national strategy to enhance environmental protection, enforce mining regulations, and ensure that Ghana’s natural resources are used responsibly for sustainable development.