NaIMOS arrest 49 suspected illegal miners after foiling armed ambush in Western Region

A dawn security operation by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NaIMOS) has led to the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners following a violent ambush on its personnel earlier this week in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

The coordinated swoop, carried out in the early hours of Thursday at Adiewoso within the concession of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), also resulted in the recovery of a pump-action firearm and the seizure of over GH₵226,000 believed to be proceeds from illegal mining activities.

According to NaIMOS, the operation was triggered by an attack on its operatives on Tuesday, April 28, when a group of armed illegal miners allegedly opened fire on a taskforce team stationed in Nzema East.

The assailants reportedly targeted a NaIMOS patrol vehicle, firing multiple rounds in what authorities have described as a “reckless and brazen ambush.”

No casualties were recorded, as the personnel tactically withdrew from the scene. However, the incident prompted an immediate intelligence-led response to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Acting on credible intelligence, NaIMOS deployed a joint team for a cordon-and-search operation between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, sweeping through Adiewoso and nearby communities.

A total of 114 individuals were initially picked up and transported to the Adiewoso Community Centre for screening. After verification, 49 were identified as suspected illegal miners and handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigations.

Authorities clarified that eight individuals were confirmed as legitimate GREL workers, while 12 were senior high school students. Others screened were found to be artisans and residents with no links to illegal mining and were subsequently released.

Among those arrested are three foreign nationals — Abdul Karim from Niger, and Nash Ishaku and Eliyasu Sie from Burkina Faso — who are believed to be involved in the illicit operations.

The operation also uncovered significant items, including GH₵140,000 found in a Toyota Raize belonging to one Daniel Avoka, and GH₵86,710 discovered in a Toyota Hilux linked to suspect Ebenezer Cobbinah, who is currently assisting police investigations.

Two containers of substances suspected to be gold, quantities of suspected Indian hemp, and cartons of cigarettes were also retrieved.

NaIMOS officials say the operation underscores their resolve to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in areas where such activities threaten legitimate businesses and the environment.

“The Secretariat remains committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources. Acts of intimidation or armed resistance will not deter us from enforcing the law,” a statement said.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution as investigations continue.

The Adiewoso raid marks one of the latest intensified efforts by authorities to curb illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which continues to pose serious environmental and security challenges across the country.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith