NAIMOS, Blue Water Guards arrest eight illegal miners in night raid at Mpatasie and Odaho; four excavators seized

A joint anti-galamsey operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards has led to the arrest of eight suspected illegal miners.

Four excavators and two motorbikes were seized in the late-night swoop at Mpatasie and Odaho in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

The intelligence-led operation, conducted along the Oda River corridor, targeted active illegal mining sites believed to be degrading the waterway and its surrounding environment.

According to officials, the taskforce mobilised from its base at Manso Adubia at about 2230 hours on Thursday, 30 April 2026, and moved swiftly on the identified locations under cover of darkness. The surprise approach enabled the operatives to meet the miners in full operation near the riverbanks and roadside areas.

The suspects were arrested on site and identified as Bismark Abilla (23) of Bolgatanga, Michael Donkor (36) of Tepa, Kuviele Apuo (23) of Wa, Bernard Akeleyona (31) of Bolgatanga, Joseph Donkor (33) of Tepa, Vincent Gyimah (35) of Odaho, Ebenezer Asare (26) of Odaho, and Kwame Asaa (38) of Navrongo. Seven of them were reportedly residing at Odaho at the time of arrest, while one was a resident at Anwia Nkwanta.

A search of the area led to the recovery of four excavators. The machines include two Hyundai models, one Sany model, and one XCMG model. Some of the equipment had its control boards and monitors removed, a practice authorities say is commonly used by illegal miners to evade enforcement and protect high-value components.

Two motorbikes used by the suspects were also impounded during the operation.

All eight suspects have been handed over to the Antoa Krom Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution. The seized excavators have been transported to the NAIMOS equipment holding base in Kumasi for safekeeping.

The operation highlights ongoing coordinated efforts between National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the Blue Water Guards to clamp down on illegal mining activities along water bodies, particularly within the Amansie West galamsey belt, where the Oda River continues to face pressure from mining encroachment.

Authorities say surveillance and enforcement operations will continue across riverine communities as part of efforts to restore and protect affected ecosystems.