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Ghana intensifies crackdown on illegal mining operations
Ghanaian security forces and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have launched intensified nationwide operations to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey. In the Central Region, a raid at Subin Akwaaboso on the Offin River resulted in the arrest of 13 suspected illegal miners following armed resistance from individuals wielding firearms and cutlasses.
In the Atiwa Forest Reserve, a deadly encounter during Operation GREEN SHIELD left one suspect dead and four others, including three Malian nationals, in custody. Meanwhile, joint patrols by the Blue Water Guards, the Minerals Commission, and NAIMOS have successfully restored the Greater Amanzole River in the Western Region after months of sustained monitoring and equipment destruction.
Parallel to these enforcement actions, a dispute has emerged regarding the Minerals Commission’s decision to revoke the mining lease of Northern Ashanti Mines. While the Commission cites over US$8.38 million in unpaid statutory fees, Dr. Steve Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has urged the government to negotiate payment arrangements rather than revoking the license, warning that such actions could unfairly target Ghanaian-owned companies.
Entities
A&A Southern Industries Limited · CMS-PRO Industries and Construction Limited · Dr. Steve Manteaw · Ghana · Konongo · Minerals Commission · National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat · Northern Ashanti Mines Limited · Northern Ashanti Mines Limited Company · Offin River
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Legal representatives for Northern Ashanti Mines Limited accused NAIMOS officers of attempting to conceal evidence by accessing a server room to disconnect CCTV cameras. thevaultznews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One suspect was killed and four others were arrested during an armed clash in the Atiwa Forest Reserve. rainbowradioonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Blue Water Guards Initiative was inaugurated by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. chale.news
- [● 4 SOURCES] NAIMOS arrested 13 suspected illegal miners during a raid on the Offin River in the Upper Denkyira West District. ghananewss.com · www.adomonline.com · starrfm.com.gh · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Dr. Steve Manteaw argues that outstanding debt alone should not be sufficient grounds for revoking a mining lease. newscenta.com · onuaonline.com · 3news.com · ghanaguardian.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Greater Amanzole River has recovered from pollution following joint patrols by the Blue Water Guards, Minerals Commission, and NAIMOS. chale.news
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Operation Water Shield involved the destruction of four floating chanfang platforms on the River Offin.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Northern Ashanti Mines allegedly owes more than US$8.38 million in statutory fees. newscenta.com · onuaonline.com · 3news.com · ghanaguardian.com