The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 15 suspected illegal miners during a targeted operation at Groso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, following renewed galamsey activities along the Offin River.
The operation, carried out on May 11, 2026, was launched after intelligence indicated that previously dispersed miners had returned to the area and resumed illegal mining along the river.
Acting on the information, a taskforce deployed from the Ashanti Region moved into the area around 10:30 a.m. and encountered several individuals actively engaged in mining operations within the river channel.
A coordinated intervention led to the arrest of 15 suspects, made up of 11 males and 4 females. Two of those arrested were identified as foreign nationals, one Nigerien and one Togolese. Authorities said all the suspects are believed to reside in Nyinawusu, a nearby community linked to repeated illegal mining activities along the Offin corridor.
The suspects include individuals aged between 16 and 35.
During the operation, the taskforce destroyed an alluvial mining machine being used directly in the river, while also disabling a Sany SY215 excavator at the site by removing its monitor and key. Officials also observed four additional excavators in the area, which had been left with detached monitors and keys removed, apparently in anticipation of enforcement action.
The seized excavator components remain in NAIMOS custody pending administrative processes, while the suspects and their mobile phones have been handed over to the Upper Denkyira West District Police Command at Diaso for investigation and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks along the Offin River, noting that operators continue to return to previously cleared sites. The Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement until illegal mining activities along critical water bodies are brought under control.
