NAIMOS arrests 19 in Mpohor Fiase anti-galamsey operation
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday, July 29, after residents, affected farmers and traditional leaders raised concerns over the increasing illegal mining activities in the area, which JoyNews' Erastus Asare Donkor had earlier highlighted.
The reports indicated that miners were operating openly close to the community police station, prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention.
According to a statement issued by NAIMOS Communications on Thursday, July 30, the task force had previously undertaken reconnaissance of the area before launching the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities in the region.
"The NAIMOS Task Force, which had undertaken previous reconnaissance of the area, embarked on a stern operation on Wednesday, July 29, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt galamsey activities in the region," read part of the statement.
The task force targeted two major illegal mining sites before extending the operation to several smaller sites within the area.
During the exercise, officers destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps and three makeshift structures used to facilitate illegal mining.
An excavator found at one of the major sites was also disabled after critical components were removed to prevent its use.
The operation further led to the seizure of a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects, while another suspect was found with GH¢120,000 in cash.
All 19 suspects, together with the seized items, have been secured to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.
"NAIMOS remains committed to sustained, intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal mining activities, dismantle the logistical networks that support them, and protect Ghana's land and natural resources," the statement read in part.