The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAiMOS) taskforce has carried out a major operation targeting illegal mining activities in Obuasi, located within the Amansie Central and Amansie West Districts of the Ashanti Region.

The swoop, conducted on Monday, 17 November 2025, followed credible intelligence reports about unlawful mining operations on several sites.

One of the key areas raided was Anyankyirem, a legally acquired mining concession belonging to a duly registered company. According to officials, the concession had been forcibly taken over by illegal mining groups from Amansie, preventing the rightful owners from accessing and operating on their land.

The taskforce also moved to secure other strategic locations around the Obuasi Airport, where illegal mining activities had recently been reported.

During the operation, several items — including motorbikes, vehicles, water pumps, and other mining equipment — were seized.

Makeshift structures and unauthorised mining setups were also destroyed as part of efforts to reclaim the encroached lands.

While many of the illegal miners fled upon seeing the Taskforce personnel, one suspected ring leader, believed to be a key coordinator of the unlawful activities in Obuasi, was arrested.

He is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations and will be processed for court.

Officials say the latest operation forms part of intensified efforts to curb illegal mining and restore affected lands in the Ashanti Region.