The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, arresting 10 heavily armed Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in galamsey at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
The latest arrest follows an earlier intelligence-led operation in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) that dismantled a major illegal mining network within the Oda River Forest Reserve.
The October 23, 2025, operation led to the capture of several illegal miners and nine armed impostors posing as National Security operatives.
According to NAIMOS, the impostors were dressed in khaki uniforms and claimed to be acting under the command of a so-called “Major Jabari.” A search uncovered a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs, all of which were seized as evidence.
During the operation, NAIMOS operatives intercepted individuals who attempted to bribe officers with GH₵120,000 for the release of the arrested miners. The suspects were immediately detained for bribery attempts.
The taskforce also discovered that the miners had established a makeshift settlement deep within the forest, complete with wooden structures and tents serving as operational bases. The structures and equipment were destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
Officials say both operations at Abusa and Oda River highlight NAIMOS’s strengthened enforcement drive to dismantle entrenched galamsey networks and protect Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and mineral resources from further destruction.
