Mpohor fiase: The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an operation at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of galamsey activities near the community's police station. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, initially targeted two major illegal mining sites before extending to several smaller sites in the area.
According to Ghana Web, the operation was launched after residents, affected farmers, and traditional leaders raised concerns over illegal mining activities occurring openly near the police station. The NAIMOS Task Force, which had previously conducted reconnaissance in the area, embarked on the operation as part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt galamsey activities in the region.
During the operation, the task force destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps, and three makeshift structures used to support illegal mining activities. An excavator found at one of the major mining sites was also disabled by removing critical components to prevent its use. Additionally, the task force recovered a pump-action gun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects and found GHS120,000 in cash with another suspect.
All suspects and seized items have been taken into custody to assist with investigations and potential prosecution. NAIMOS has stated its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining across the country, emphasizing its dedication to conducting intelligence-led operations to disrupt illegal mining activities, dismantle logistical networks, and protect Ghana's natural resources.
The Secretariat has urged those involved in illegal mining to abandon the practice and appealed to the public for support in combating galamsey. It called on individuals engaged in illegal mining to desist from the practice and encouraged the public to provide credible information to the authorities to aid in national efforts against illegal mining.