In a decisive pre-dawn offensive, a combined team from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat launched a successful three-day operation against illegal mining activities in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, located within the Nkawie Forest District.

The crackdown, which began at 4:00 AM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, marks a major milestone in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The operation led to the seizure of 12 excavators, 2 motorbikes, and 2 pump-action shotguns, and resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including a Chinese national.

Upon linking up with Forestry Commission officers at Nkawie, the national task force stormed the forest reserve, catching illegal miners off guard.

Many fled the scene in panic, abandoning their heavy-duty equipment and makeshift camps.

In a bold move to deter future encroachment, the military wing of the task force razed the workers’ camps, sending a powerful signal to illegal operators across the country.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Simon Mensah, Edward Addo, Aboagye Foster, and Amoah Justice, while identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were also retrieved at the site.

All suspects have been handed over to the Nkawie District Police for further investigations.

The confiscated excavators have been relocated to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks for safekeeping.

This operation forms part of a broader strategic response led by Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to curb the illegal exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources.

Minister Buah reaffirmed his Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on galamsey and emphasised that no individual, whether Ghanaian or foreign—will be spared in the national effort to restore environmental integrity.

“This is not a one-off. We are stepping up operations across the country. Ghana’s forests and water bodies must be protected at all costs,” the Minister declared.

With the success of this latest crackdown, government efforts to restore degraded lands and conserve forest reserves continue to gain momentum. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.