The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, carrying out a targeted operation at Anwia in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, April 21 between 1120 and 1650 hours, focused on illegal mining sites within the Anwia enclave. Acting on credible intelligence, the task force stormed locations situated just five meters from a major access road between Teleko Bokazo and Anwia Nkroful, catching the miners off guard.

Several illegal miners fled the scene upon the arrival of the taskforce, abandoning their equipment in an attempt to evade arrest.

NAiMOS operatives subsequently moved in to dismantle and destroy the mining installations to halt ongoing environmental degradation.

The illegal activities had caused significant destruction to cocoa and palm plantations, posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural productivity in the area.

Investigations further revealed dangerous interference with critical infrastructure.

A high-tension electricity pole had been severely damaged, while in some cases, electrical cables had been illegally connected to cocoa trees—creating a high risk of electrocution for residents and farmers.

Equipment destroyed during the operation included nine changfang machines, eleven water pumping machines, several industrial water hoses, wooden gold-washing platforms, and gold trapping carpets.

All items were rendered unusable on-site.

The operation forms part of NAIMOS’ ongoing nationwide efforts to combat illegal mining, protect the environment, and safeguard public safety.

Authorities have reiterated their resolve to sustain such enforcement actions and warned individuals engaged in illegal mining to desist or face the full rigours of the law.

Community members and local authorities have also been urged to support the fight against galamsey by providing timely and credible information to aid enforcement operations.