Accra, Ghana – A joint task force launched a decisive pre-dawn operation against illegal mining syndicates in the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, Nkawie Forest District, resulting in the seizure of 12 excavators, the arrest of five suspects, and the destruction of an illegal mining camp. The operation, spanning from Wednesday, June 4, to early Friday, June 6, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating “galamsey,” or illegal small-scale mining.
The task force, comprising the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat, stormed the reserves at 4:00 AM after linking with local Forestry Officers. Upon their arrival, many illegal miners fled, abandoning their equipment. The military wing of the task force then set the workers’ camp ablaze as a stern warning against environmental destruction.
Among those apprehended were Simon Mensah, Edward Addo, Aboagye Foster, and Amoah Justice, along with a Chinese national. Identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were also recovered. Two pump-action shotguns and two motorcycles were also seized. The suspects have been handed over to the Nkawie District Police, and the confiscated excavators were transported to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks for safekeeping.
This latest success reinforces the resolve of Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in the ongoing fight against illegal mining. The Minister has previously warned that no individual, local or foreign, will be spared in efforts to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies from further devastation, emphasizing the galvanized multi-agency collaboration under his leadership.
Sankofaonline
