By Felix Cofie
In a powerful show of force, a joint anti-galamsey task force has dismantled a major illegal mining operation deep within the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve in the Nkawie Forest District, marking one of the most decisive actions yet in Ghana’s ongoing war against illegal mining.
The operation—coordinated by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat—began in the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and continued over a three-day period until the early hours of Friday, June 6.
Camps Burned, Heavy Machinery Seized
Upon storming the reserve at around 4:00 AM, the task force—backed by military personnel—found several illegal miners who immediately fled, abandoning their equipment and camps. In a bold move to cripple the operations and deter future incursions, the military wing of the task force burned down the miners’ camps.
In total, authorities seized 12 excavators, 2 motorcycles, and 2 pump-action shotguns during the raid. Five suspects were arrested, including a Chinese national. Those apprehended include:
• Simon Mensah
• Edward Addo
• Aboagye Foster
• Amoah Justice
In addition, identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were recovered. All suspects have been handed over to the Nkawie District Police, while the seized excavators are now in custody at the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks.
Summary of Seizures:
• 12 Excavators
• 2 Motorcycles
• 2 Pump-Action ShotgunsGovernment Sends Strong Warning
The operation reflects the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities, which continue to wreak havoc on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed his ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on galamsey, stating that “no individual—local or foreign—will be spared” in the government’s fight to restore and preserve Ghana’s natural environment.
This latest crackdown is part of a broader strategy to safeguard the country’s ecological assets, as multi-agency efforts ramp up across the nation.
