NAIMOS arrests galamsey kingpin, destroys equipment in River Tafana raid in Suaman

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat) has arrested an alleged galamsey kingpin and dismantled illegal mining operations along the Tafana River in the Suaman District of the Western North Region.

The operation, carried out on Friday, 1 May 2026 at about 11:00 a.m., followed intelligence received by a NAIMOS task force based in Enchi, indicating ongoing illegal mining activities directly within the river body.

According to officials, the illegal mining operation was allegedly being led by Mr Nicholas Ackah, who was arrested during the swoop. The activities had reportedly caused significant environmental degradation to the Tafana River, a tributary of the Tano River.

During the raid, the task force seized four motorbikes and subsequently handed the suspect and exhibits over to the Ghana Police Service at Enchi for further investigation.

In addition, NAIMOS personnel destroyed and burned several pieces of equipment found at the site, including six Changan machines and four water pumping machines believed to be used for the illegal mining operations.

The Secretariat says it will continue intensified monitoring and enforcement operations along river bodies in the Western North Region as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and protect water resources.