Tension has erupted at Ayikuma in the Shai-Osudoku District of Ghana's Greater Accra Region after residents and miners clashed with operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) over seized mining equipment. The confrontation followed an anti-galamsey operation that resulted in the arrest of a contractor and several miners for allegedly engaging in illegal mining within a large mango farm.
The operation triggered resistance from some residents and miners, who blocked the task force and prevented officers from moving the seized equipment from the area. The situation turned chaotic, leading to a standoff between the residents and the anti-illegal mining team. This incident highlights the challenges facing the government's fight against illegal mining, particularly in communities where galamsey activities are linked to local livelihoods.
NAIMOS has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, conducting 738 operational activities between June 13 and September 30, 2026, covering over 50,000 kilometres. During that period, the Secretariat recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition, seized excavators, pumps, vehicles and other machinery, destroyed 1,970 changfans and dismantled 863 makeshift structures linked to illegal mining.
The incident raises concerns about the safety of anti-illegal mining personnel and the enforcement of environmental regulations in areas where resistance to such operations persists. NAIMOS has warned that violent attacks on state security personnel carrying out lawful duties will not be tolerated. Its spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, stated that individuals suspected of attacking personnel or obstructing operations would be referred to the relevant authorities for action.
NAIMOS has begun engaging communities affected by illegal mining as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against galamsey. The initiative seeks to involve traditional authorities, local government officials, opinion leaders and residents in tackling illegal mining and its effects on the environment and livelihoods. The Secretariat says the engagements aim to build public confidence, address local concerns and improve intelligence sharing to support ongoing operations against illegal mining.
The government’s fight against illegal mining faces significant challenges, particularly in communities where galamsey activities are widespread. NAIMOS and other anti-illegal mining agencies have faced resistance from local communities, making it difficult to enforce regulations and bring perpetrators to justice. The Ayikuma incident highlights the need for sustained community engagement and cooperation to effectively combat galamsey.
NAIMOS has urged community leaders and residents to cooperate with law-enforcement teams and channel grievances through legal avenues rather than taking the law into their own hands. The Secretariat remains committed to its mandate of eradicating illegal mining and protecting the environment and local communities from the negative impacts of galamsey.
Key points
- NAIMOS has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining.
- The incident highlights the challenges facing the government’s fight against illegal mining.
- NAIMOS warns against obstruction and violent attacks on state security personnel.
