The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Western Region, targeting notorious galamsey enclaves and criminal hideouts.

On Monday, October 5, 2025, the Task Force carried out a major operation at Gangway, a crime-prone community in Aboso within the Prestea-Huni Valley District.

During the raid, several makeshift structures used as hideouts, drug dens, and galamsey camps were set ablaze. A range of mining equipment was also destroyed.

Hundreds Surrender

The operation led to the voluntary surrender of several hundred residents, mostly illegal miners, who were engaged in activities such as unauthorized mining, illegal trading, drug use, and gambling.

Drugs Seized

Security personnel recovered eleven parcels of Indian hemp and other hard drugs during the exercise.

Previous Warnings Ignored

NAIMOS noted that the operation followed a similar one conducted in June 2025, during which criminal gangs and galamsey operators were warned to vacate the area. Despite the warnings, many returned, prompting the renewed offensive.

Additional Operations in Tarkwa Nsuaem

While en route to Gangway, the Task Force also conducted operations in the Dadwen-Domping areas of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. These led to the seizure of fifteen water pumping machines and a generator set. Three chanfang machines and several other illegal mining structures were also destroyed.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against illegal mining and related social vices across the Western Region and beyond.