The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested a suspected foreman of an illegal small-scale mining operation at Akyem Morso near Juaso in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region.

The suspect, identified as David Bobie Peter, is reported to be an Elder of The Church of Pentecost at Konongo.

The arrest follows a targeted enforcement operation conducted along the Kume River across the communities of Morso, Kyekyebiase and Bimma, where NAiMOS operatives uncovered extensive illegal mining activities.

According to NAiMOS, the operation began with a surprise raid on a large galamsey enclave at Kyekyebiase, where several young men were found actively engaged in mining.

The miners fled into nearby bushes upon spotting the task force, abandoning equipment in an attempt to evade arrest.

Although the suspects initially escaped due to their familiarity with the terrain, the task force proceeded to dismantle key mining infrastructure at the site.

Eight Chanfang machines and four wooden gold-washing platforms were destroyed, while several pipe hoses were burnt.

Additionally, twelve water pumping machines were seized as evidence.

A subsequent sweep of the area led operatives to a concealed Sany excavator hidden within a cocoa farm.

The machine had already been partially disabled, but NAIMOS personnel rendered it completely inoperable by removing critical components.

During the operation, David Bobie Peter approached the task force, initially claiming he was visiting his farm.

However, intelligence gathered on-site identified him as a foreman of one of the illegal mining operations in the area.

Upon confrontation, he admitted to overseeing activities at a mining site in Morso and revealed he had been sent by his employer, identified only as “Mr Appiah,” to confirm the presence of the task force.

He further disclosed his role as a church elder, a development authorities say raises serious moral concerns.

The suspect subsequently led the task force to his site, where extensive environmental degradation was observed.

The Kume River was found heavily polluted, with sections diverted to facilitate illegal mining operations.

A second Sany excavator was also discovered and immobilized.

David Bobie Peter has since been handed over to the Konongo District Police for further investigations and prosecution.

The Secretariat also called on local authorities and stakeholders to intensify monitoring efforts to curb environmental destruction.