NAIMOS Cracks Down on Galamsey Sites Threatening Rivers, Farmlands in Tano North
Security operatives with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have launched a major operation against illegal mining activities in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, amid growing concerns over environmental degradation.
The crackdown, carried out on January 19, 2026, forms part of a renewed enforcement drive aimed at flushing out illegal miners and protecting water bodies and farmlands affected by galamsey activities in the area.
The operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering by NAIMOS, supported by media reports of sustained illegal mining at several locations, including Sukuumu, Subrisu No. 2, and Adrobaa. These sites are suspected of contributing to the pollution of the River Bisi, a major tributary of the Tano River.
The task force also extended its activities to Egya Wuradu Kuro, Egya Antwi, and Nana Etufuwaa Kuro, where multiple illegal mining enclaves were destroyed.
Destruction of Illegal Mining Equipment
Although no miners were present at the time the task force arrived, operatives dismantled the illegal setups and set fire to makeshift structures used to support the operations.
Several logistical facilities were destroyed or seized, including drums, heavy-duty multipurpose water-pumping machines, welding machines, pumping equipment, excavator batteries, and engine washers commonly used in alluvial mining.
According to the Director of Operations for NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, enforcement operations in the Ahafo and Bono Regions will be sustained to ensure the restoration of the Tano River and its tributaries for the benefit of local communities and agricultural livelihoods.
“When the task force arrived, it found three major sites that had clearly been under active illegal mining exploitation—something we cannot allow to continue,” he said. “We are assuring the people that we will not relent until we crack down on such illegal activities.”
NAIMOS Comes Under Attack in Dormaa
Meanwhile, a NAIMOS operative sustained gunshot wounds during an operation in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The incident reportedly occurred in a bush along the Subinkurom–Kyeremasu stretch while the task force was conducting routine anti-galamsey enforcement activities. According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, armed assailants opened fire on the operatives upon sighting them.
“The armed thugs, who were hiding in the bushes, opened fire on sighting the NAIMOS task force. This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which one NAIMOS personnel sustained a gunshot injury.”
The injured officer was rushed to the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where he is currently responding to treatment. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the assailants, identified as Abuu Ibrahim, was shot dead.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, as authorities reaffirm their commitment to combating illegal mining despite the growing security risks faced by enforcement teams.
