Ghana and Nigeria intensify crackdowns on illegal mining

In Ghana, the National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards conducted a river patrol along the Ankobra River on May 11. The team destroyed six Changfan mining machines and a floating platform in the Western Region, disrupting renewed galamsey activity at Dominase and Gwira Banso, though no arrests were made.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government’s Mining Marshals, working with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, stepped up enforcement in Nasarawa and Plateau states. Led by Minister Dele Alake and commander ACC Attah John Onoja, the operations focused on intelligence gathering, compliance monitoring and investigations to curb illegal mining and safeguard mineral resources.

Both initiatives reflect a broader push by West African authorities to halt unregulated mining, protect water bodies and natural resources, and improve sector transparency and investor confidence.