NAIMOS arrests church elder over illegal mining at Asante Akyem Morso

A joint anti-galamsey operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has led to the arrest of a church elder accused of supervising illegal mining activities at Akyem Morso, near Juaso in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region.

The suspect, identified as Elder David Bobie Peter, was apprehended following a targeted raid along the Kume River, spanning the communities of Morso, Kyekyebiase, and Bimma. He reportedly admitted during interrogation that he serves as an elder of a Pentecost Church branch in Konongo.

According to NAIMOS, the operation began with a surprise swoop on a large illegal mining enclave at Kyekyebiase, where several young men were caught in the act. The miners, however, fled into nearby bush paths upon sighting the task force, abandoning equipment in their wake. Despite a pursuit, no immediate arrests were made as the suspects exploited their familiarity with the terrain.

The task force subsequently destroyed eight Chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms through controlled burning. Several hose pipes were also set ablaze, while twelve water pumping machines were confiscated.

A further search in the surrounding area uncovered fresh excavator tracks leading into a cocoa farm, where a Sany excavator had been hidden. The machine had already been tampered with, but officers rendered it fully inoperable by removing key components.

Elder Peter was later identified during a routine sweep when he approached the task force, initially claiming he was visiting his farm. Intelligence gathered on-site contradicted his claim, leading to his confession as a foreman of an illegal mining operation in Morso. He also disclosed that he had been sent by his employer, identified only as Mr. Appiah, to verify reports of the NAIMOS operation.

He subsequently led officers to his mining site, where extensive environmental damage was observed. Sections of the Kume River had been heavily polluted and diverted to support the illegal activity. A second excavator was found at the site and similarly disabled.

Elder Peter has been handed over to the Konongo District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

NAIMOS, in a statement, warned that enforcement efforts would continue regardless of individuals’ social or religious status. The Secretariat also called on local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling illegal mining.

The agency reiterated that combating galamsey requires a unified national response to protect the environment and public health.