NAIMOS Shuts Down Major Galamsey Sites in Eastern Region

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its fight against galamsey, conducting a major operation in the Eastern Region on Sunday, December 8, 2025.

The over 12-hour operation demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s forest reserves and water bodies from the destructive effects of illegal mining.

NAIMOS operatives carried out coordinated patrols in the Atiwa West District and Birim Central Municipality, areas known for high levels of illegal mining activity. During the sweep, several active galamsey sites were discovered, and machinery used in the operations was disabled.

A significant find was made along the Akyem Akropong corridor, where an extensive illegal mining enclave was uncovered. The site contained four excavators and five washing plants. Two of the excavators were actively in use when the task force arrived, leading to the immediate removal of their monitors and control units, rendering them inoperable. The other two had already been partially dismantled by miners attempting to avoid capture.

Around 4:10 pm, another excavator was found and disabled near the main road in Akyem Oda, Birim Central. In total, three excavators were fully immobilised during the operation. However, officials stated that they were unable to secure low-bed trucks to transport the heavy machinery away from the sites, so they were left in place.

Environmental assessments revealed the extent of the damage, with over four acres of land severely scarred by deep, contaminated pits. Some of these pits, filled with water, were as wide as 200 metres and approximately eight feet deep, posing a serious threat to nearby streams, farms, and communities.

NAIMOS intelligence indicates that illegal miners are becoming more sophisticated, temporarily halting operations when enforcement teams are present and then quickly relocating their equipment nearby. “This pattern reinforces the need for continuous and sustained pressure, rather than relying on isolated raids,” an official stated.

Despite these challenges, NAIMOS believes its increased visibility and rapid response capabilities are disrupting galamsey operations. Reports suggest that many miners are abandoning sites mid-operation, causing disruptions to supply chains and weakening the networks supporting illegal gold production.

The Secretariat emphasized that the fight is far from over, particularly with critical rivers like the Birim and Ayensu still under threat. Prolonged deployment of personnel in the field is considered essential. NAIMOS reiterated that illegal mining is not only an environmental disaster but also a significant public health risk, contaminating food and water sources with harmful chemicals.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE