channel247 online
A pre-dawn operation by a joint task force comprising the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat has dealt a crushing blow to illegal mining syndicates in the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, Nkawie Forest District by arresting five suspects including a Chinese National and seizing 12 excavators.
The crackdown, which is part of the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating galamsey, led to the seizure of 12 excavators, the arrest of five suspects—including a Chinese national—and the recovery of two pump-action shotguns from raided mining camps.
The operation, which began at 4:00 AM on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, saw the Taskforce from Accra, storm the reserves after linking up with Forestry Officers at Nkawie. Upon arrival, some of the illegal miners fled in disarray, abandoning their equipment.
The military wing of the task force set the workers’ camp ablaze, sending a strong message to perpetrators of environmental destruction. The operations span over 3 days – Wednesday to early hours of Friday, 6th June 2025.
Among those apprehended were individuals identified as Simon Mensah, Edward Addo, Aboagye Foster, and Amoah Justice, while identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were also retrieved. The suspects were handed over to the Nkawie District Police, while the confiscated excavators were transported to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks for safekeeping.
This latest success reinforces Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources’ resolve to clamp down on galamsey, warning that no individual—local or foreign—will be spared in the ongoing war against illegal mining. His leadership has galvanized multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that Ghana’s forests and water bodies are protected from further devastation.
Source:channel247online.com
