The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has carried out a series of simultaneous enforcement operations across major illegal mining hotspots in the Eastern Region, targeting environmentally sensitive areas and communities heavily affected by galamsey activities.

The coordinated exercise, conducted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, covered Old Abirem and Kyenkyenku in the Birim North District, as well as the Oboho Forest Reserve in the Ayensuano District.

At Old Abirem, NAiMOS officers discovered an active illegal mining site, leading to the arrest of three local suspects for questioning.

The operation resulted in the retrieval and disabling of four excavators, and the destruction of two heavy-duty water pumps, fuel drums, and makeshift shelters used by the miners.

Field officers also uncovered several mining pits dug into cocoa farms, a finding that highlights the severe environmental degradation and destruction of farmlands caused by illegal mining in the area.

A statement from NAiMOS indicated that the operation forms part of a national crackdown on illegal mining aimed at protecting Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands from further degradation.

Officials said the agency remains committed to enforcing mining regulations and ensuring that offenders face the full force of the law.

They reaffirmed that operations of this nature will continue in other regions to restore damaged ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods in affected communities.

“Our mandate is to safeguard the environment and the future of Ghana’s natural resources,” a NAiMOS spokesperson said. “We are intensifying surveillance and will not relent until illegal mining is eradicated.”

The suspects are currently assisting police investigations, while the seized machinery and equipment have been secured as evidence for further action.