Gov’t intensifies galamsey crackdown: major illegal mining networks dismantled in Western Region

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced major successes in its intensified campaign against illegal mining, following a series of coordinated enforcement operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards in the Western and Western North Regions.

At a press briefing in Accra, the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, revealed that the operations form part of a new weekly update initiative aimed at keeping the public informed about the government’s ongoing fight against galamsey.

In one of the major operations, NAIMOS operatives at dawn on October 5 stormed the notorious Gangway enclave in Aboso, Prestea-Huni Valley District — a hotspot for illegal mining and related criminal activity.

The team destroyed more than 15 water-pumping machines, three Changfang dredgers, and several makeshift structures, while confiscating narcotics including eleven wraps of Indian hemp.

Working alongside the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, NAIMOS also cleared illegal mining sites along the Ankobra River, from Gwira Eshiam to Anyinase.

Over 100 makeshift camps were dismantled, seven dredging machines neutralized, and one excavator rendered unusable.

The blocked Kamei Stream was reopened, restoring the river’s natural flow.

“This is just the beginning. We are determined to bring our rivers back to life and protect the communities that depend on them,” Ms. Mawuenyefia emphasized.

On October 8, NAIMOS operatives raided the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in Jomoro, arresting two Chinese nationals suspected of financing an illegal mining venture disguised as a community mining project.

A Toyota Land Cruiser V8, GHC10,050, and communication gadgets were seized, while four excavators were immobilized.

At the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, a separate joint operation led to the arrest of 28 illegal miners. Equipment used for mining was seized, and extensive forest destruction was recorded.

Across all operations, authorities confiscated or destroyed six excavators, 65 pumping machines, seven dredgers, narcotics, mercury, and over 120 illegal structures.

In the Ellembelle District, members of the Blue Water Guards came under fire while dismantling illegal sites along the Tandan River.

Despite the assault, six dredging machines and five motorbikes were seized without casualties among the enforcement team.

Ms. Mawuenyefia reaffirmed government’s resolve to sustain the anti-galamsey campaign until Ghana’s water bodies and forests are fully restored.

“This is a national mission — not a one-off operation. The fight against galamsey will continue until every river, forest, and community is safe again,” she declared.

The Ministry says the recent operations send a strong message that the era of impunity in Ghana’s mining sector is over, and that the state will continue to pursue all who threaten the country’s natural heritage.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith