The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Northern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces have collaborated to arrest six suspected illegal miners in the Wakawaka area of the Bole District in the Savannah Region. This operation was conducted from October 26 to 28, 2026, in response to a resurgence of illegal mining activities. Authorities intensified efforts to prevent miners from reclaiming previously cleared sites.
The joint task force acted on intelligence that suggested illegal miners had regrouped and resumed operations. Upon arrival at the site, personnel discovered that the suspects were actively engaged in mining. The six suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police for further investigation. This operation aimed to curb the illegal mining menace that has been affecting various regions in Ghana.
During the operation, the task force destroyed seven air compressors and 58 makeshift structures used for illegal mining. These structures and equipment were seized as part of the efforts to dismantle the illegal mining operations. The destruction of these assets is expected to significantly disrupt the activities of illegal miners in the area.
In addition to the arrests and destruction of property, the task force also seized various equipment associated with the illegal mining activities. These items included a generator plant, an air compressor, mining materials, water hoses, a saw machine, hammers, rubber mats, a solar panel, and other equipment. The seizure of these items is a significant blow to the illegal mining operations in the region.
The operation in Wakawaka is part of a broader effort by NAIMOS and the Ghana Armed Forces to combat illegal mining across the country. Recently, NAIMOS conducted a similar operation in Eshaem, where 22 Chanfang machines were seized. Another operation, dubbed Operation Green Shield, was launched in the Atewa Forest, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.
The collaboration between NAIMOS and the Ghana Armed Forces demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining. The government has been working to implement measures to prevent the resurgence of illegal mining activities in areas that had previously been cleared. The success of these operations will depend on sustained efforts to monitor and enforce mining regulations.
The arrested suspects are currently in police custody, and further investigations are expected to reveal more details about the extent of their involvement in the illegal mining activities. The government's efforts to combat galamsey are ongoing, with various stakeholders working together to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Key points
- Six suspected illegal miners were arrested in Wakawaka, Savannah Region.
- The operation resulted in the destruction of seven air compressors and 58 makeshift structures.
- The task force seized various equipment associated with the illegal mining activities.
