Galamsey Crackdown: NAIMOS Arrests 237 Suspects
Majority of suspects arrested are foreign nationals as crackdown on illegal mining intensifies
- NAIMOS has arrested 237 individuals in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, with most suspects being foreign nationals
- Authorities have seized and destroyed 94 excavators and nearly 3,000 chanfang machines used in galamsey operation
- The task force reports an 87.7% success rate, with a noticeable decline in the use of excavators at illegal mining sites
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has announced that 237 individuals have been arrested as part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities.
The secretariat revealed that a significant number of those apprehended are foreign nationals, underscoring the level of external involvement in galamsey operations.
Speaking at an Editors’ Forum on Wednesday, March 25, NAIMOS Director of Operations, Col. Dominic Buah, said the arrests are part of a broader enforcement strategy being implemented across the country. He noted that the operations have recorded an 87.7 percent success rate, which he described as a major achievement in the fight against illegal mining.
In addition to the arrests, authorities have seized and destroyed equipment used in illegal mining, including 94 excavators and nearly 3,000 chanfang machines.
Col. Buah explained that in cases where equipment cannot be transported from sites, key components are removed to disable them and prevent further use.
He added that these sustained efforts are beginning to show results, with a noticeable reduction in the use of excavators at illegal mining sites, many of which are now either absent or rendered inoperable.
