NaIMOS arrests 49 suspected illegal miners after armed clash at Adiewoso
A dawn operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NaIMOS) has led to the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region, following what authorities describe as a brazen armed ambush on its personnel earlier in the week.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, April 30, targeted illegal mining activities within a plantation belonging to Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL). It resulted in the recovery of a pump-action firearm and the seizure of more than GH₵226,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal mining.
Armed Ambush Triggers Response
According to NaIMOS, the swoop was prompted by an attack on its operatives on Tuesday, April 28, at Nzema East, where a group of armed illegal miners reportedly opened fire on a taskforce vehicle. The personnel withdrew without casualties, but the incident triggered an intelligence-led operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Cordon and Search Operation
Acting on gathered intelligence, NaIMOS deployed a coordinated cordon-and-search exercise between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. at Adiewoso and nearby communities. A total of 114 individuals were initially detained and screened at the Adiewoso Community Centre.
Following verification, 49 individuals were identified as suspected illegal miners. Eight others were confirmed to be legitimate GREL workers, while 12 were senior high school students. The remaining detainees were artisans and residents with no links to illegal mining and were subsequently released.
Among those arrested were three foreign nationals: one from Niger and two from Burkina Faso.
Cash, Gold, and Weapons Seized
The operation also yielded significant recoveries. Officers retrieved a pump-action gun and confiscated GH₵140,000 found in a Toyota Raize linked to one suspect. An additional GH₵86,710, along with substances suspected to be gold, were recovered from a Toyota Hilux. The vehicle’s owner was arrested and is assisting with investigations.
Authorities also seized quantities of suspected Indian hemp and cartons of cigarettes believed to be connected to the illegal mining activities.
Joint Operation with Police and GREL
The exercise was conducted in collaboration with GREL management and the Agona Ahanta Police Command, who assisted in identifying legitimate plantation workers. All verified workers were released, while the suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Commitment to Fight Illegal Mining
NaIMOS reiterated its determination to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in areas where such activities threaten legal concessions and the environment.
“The Secretariat remains resolute in its mandate to protect Ghana’s natural resources. No level of intimidation or armed resistance will deter our operations,” a statement said.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.