The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has disrupted the operations of some illegal miners in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
According to a statement shared by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, the operation began at dawn on November 5, 2025, when officers set out from Accra to target illegal mining hotspots.
At Pankese, the task force intercepted an active mining site, arresting one foreign national and four Ghanaians.
Four excavators were found, two dismantled and two intact, all of which were immobilised to prevent further use. The team also seized cash, equipment, and hydraulic oil before handing the suspects over to the New Abirem Police.
A second raid near the Jaadie River led to the discovery of eight excavators, half of which were still operational.
The functional ones were immobilised, and control boards and monitors were confiscated as evidence. Later, three men suspected of trailing the taskforce were arrested with GHS 17,000, pepper spray, a metallic chain, and a substance believed to be Indian hemp.
The operation continued at Amenam, where the team inspected a concession belonging to Sikadwa Global Limited.
Verification confirmed the company’s legal authorisation to operate, though two pump-action guns found at the site were seized for security checks.
Despite intelligence leaks from local motorbike riders, the operation was carried out without casualties.
