The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ghana Army's Artillery Brigade have conducted a joint operation in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region, targeting illegal sand extraction. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of 30 people and the interception of 35 tipper trucks, many of which bore Togolese registration numbers. The operation hit two known sand-winning spots, Agbozume Klikor and Ohawu, where active excavation was disrupted.
The arrested individuals have been handed over to the Dzodze District Police Station for further investigation, while the seized trucks have been moved to a secure holding location. According to NAIMOS, the exercise sends a clear signal that illegal sand winning will be treated with the same seriousness given to other forms of unauthorised mineral extraction. The Secretariat warned that unregulated digging can wreck farmland, damage roads and surrounding landscapes, and threaten the communities around such sites.
NAIMOS has made it clear that enforcement will not stop at those caught digging. Truck owners, transporters, and other actors who move sand from unlicensed sites will also face scrutiny if their activities are found to support illegal operations. The Secretariat stated it will keep targeting known hotspots and continue working with the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, local authorities, and other relevant institutions to stop illegal sand winning from resurfacing in the area.
The operation follows growing pressure on the government over illegal mineral extraction more broadly. The Media Coalition Against Galamsey convener, Ken Ashigbey, had urged President Mahama to declare an emergency in galamsey hotspots, arguing that some officials tasked with fighting illegal mining are themselves implicated in it. NAIMOS is urging operators in the sector to source sand only from lawfully approved locations and to follow the regulatory requirements that govern the trade.
The crackdown is part of NAIMOS' efforts to combat illegal sand winning in the region. The Secretariat has been working with various stakeholders to identify and disrupt illegal sand-winning activities. The use of Togolese-registered trucks to haul sand out of the area suggests that the issue may be a cross-border problem that requires cooperation between Ghana and Togo.
The impact of illegal sand winning on the environment and local communities is a major concern. Unregulated digging can lead to the destruction of farmland, damage to roads and infrastructure, and the degradation of surrounding landscapes. NAIMOS and other stakeholders are working to mitigate these effects and ensure that sand winning activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The joint operation between NAIMOS and the Ghana Army's Artillery Brigade demonstrates the government's commitment to enforcing regulations and laws related to sand winning. The Secretariat will continue to work with various stakeholders to prevent illegal sand winning and promote sustainable sand extraction practices in the region.
Key points
- 30 people arrested and 35 trucks seized in crackdown on illegal sand winning
- NAIMOS warns that truck owners and transporters will also face scrutiny if their activities support illegal operations
- Operation aims to prevent environmental damage and promote sustainable sand extraction practices
