The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested four persons and impounded three trucks during an enforcement operation targeting suspected illegal sand-winning activities at three locations in the Greater Accra Region.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, November 5, 2026, covered Asutsuare in the Shai-Osudoku District, Volivo and parts of the Afienya enclave.
Led by NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah, the exercise formed part of efforts to clamp down on unauthorised sand extraction and prevent further environmental degradation.
The four suspects were arrested over their suspected involvement in illegal sand-winning, while the three impounded trucks, believed to have been used in the activities, were handed over to the police. Some foreign nationals at Asutsuare were also questioned.
During the operation, NAIMOS personnel engaged residents in affected communities, particularly in the Afienya enclave, to assess the impact of illegal sand-winning on their livelihoods and the environment.
Some residents expressed concern about the activities and called for sustained enforcement to protect their communities from further environmental destruction.
NAIMOS assured residents of continued operations and encouraged them to share information to support efforts to combat illegal extraction.
The Secretariat also met the Afienya District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Stanley Dzakpasu, over reports of an alleged confrontation between military and police personnel during an earlier enforcement exercise.
According to NAIMOS, the police commander disputed suggestions that a confrontation had occurred between the two security agencies and commended the professionalism of the military personnel involved in the earlier operation.
He also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working with NAIMOS.
The Secretariat said it would intensify enforcement against illegal sand-winning and other forms of unauthorised mineral extraction across the country.
