NAIMOS destroys 1,970 changfans, 863 Illegal mining structures in three months — Colonel Appiah

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has destroyed 1,970 Changfans and 863 makeshift structures linked to illegal mining activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, Colonel Kwame Sam Appiah, Director of Operations, has announced.

Speaking at the Secretariat’s maiden press conference in Accra on Thursday, Col. Appiah said the operations had significantly disrupted illegal mining infrastructure and activities across the country.

He said NAIMOS also recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition during the period and seized excavators, pumps, vehicles and other machinery used in illegal mining operations.

According to him, suspects arrested during the operations were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigations and prosecution.

“Our responsibility extends to preserving evidence and supporting the justice process so that enforcement can produce credible deterrence,” he stated.

Col. Appiah said NAIMOS remained committed to dismantling illegal mining networks, protecting critical water bodies and forest reserves, and supporting environmental recovery efforts nationwide.

“We will deal decisively and ruthlessly against illegal mining networks and individuals involved in the menace without fear or favour,” he stressed.

The Director disclosed that between June 13, when he assumed office, and September 30, the Secretariat conducted 738 operational activities covering approximately 50,662 kilometres nationwide.

The operations comprised reconnaissance missions, mobile and riverine patrols, raids, special operations and community engagement activities across the Western, Western North, Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, Savannah and Northern operational zones.

Col. Appiah said the Secretariat’s operations were supported by a network of forward and temporary operating bases strategically located in illegal mining hotspots and reclaimed areas.

He identified Esiama, Sefwi Bekwai and Agona in the Western Region, Asankrangwa in the Western North Region, and Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region as some of the key operational centres supporting anti-galamsey efforts.

He noted that the Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, had provided resources and logistical support to sustain the Secretariat’s activities.

Col. Appiah said NAIMOS had expanded its interventions to include illegal sand winning and stone mining activities, describing them as emerging threats to land resources, water bodies and communities.

He announced that under Operation Water Shield, which commenced along the Birim River in July and has since moved to the Ankobra River, the Secretariat intended to extend operations to two additional major river systems before the end of the year.

“For good reasons, I will not mention which river bodies, but before the end of the year, we will be tackling two major river bodies as part of Operation Water Shield,” he said.

The next phase of the operation, he explained, would focus on securing reclaimed areas to prevent illegal miners from returning after enforcement actions.

In collaboration with the Ghana Navy, NAIMOS plans to deploy a dedicated riverine unit on the Ankobra River to sustain patrols and deter the return of Changfan operators.

“Its role will be to sustain patrols, deter the return of Changfan operators and consolidate the gains achieved,” he said.

The Director also announced plans to launch Operation Green Shield, a forest protection initiative beginning at the Atiwa Forest Reserve to combat illegal mining and safeguard critical watersheds.

He said the operation would adopt a three-stage approach involving the clearing and disruption of illegal activities, stabilisation of affected areas, and the gradual transfer of protection responsibilities to the Forestry Commission.

“The intended outcome is a reserve in which priority hotspots have been cleared and stabilised, with routine protection progressively transferred to Forestry Commission guards,” he stated.

Col. Appiah said NAIMOS’ broader strategy sought to secure watersheds and river systems from source to estuary through intelligence-led, joint and inter-agency operations.

He stressed that intelligence gathering, field enforcement, investigations and prosecution would continue to work together to ensure offenders were held accountable.

“Professionalism and public trust are essential to our operational success. I remain committed to accountability, integrity, and disciplined conduct,” he said.

The Director reiterated that illegal mining remained a major threat to water security, agricultural livelihoods, forest ecosystems, and public safety.

He called on the media, civil society organisations and local communities to support the anti-galamsey campaign by providing credible information to assist ongoing operations.

“We must judge our progress by whether cleared areas remain secure; illegal activity declines, cases advance through the justice system and environmental recovery becomes measurable,” he said.

GNA