NAIMOS destroys 86 mining machines in Western Region raid

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted a major enforcement sweep against illegal mining, known as galamsey, in the Ablebo General Area of the Nzema East Municipality. During the operation on August 22, 2026, which spanned approximately 35 kilometres in Ghana’s Western Region, operatives destroyed 86 Chanfang machines—specialized Chinese-manufactured suction and pump dredging units—along with 11 water pumps and two makeshift structures.

Security teams caught miners by surprise while activities were actively ongoing. While some equipment was seized by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), other machinery was set ablaze on-site. Three suspects were arrested and transferred to the Axim Police Station for investigation and potential prosecution.

The crackdown highlights ongoing environmental concerns regarding illegal mining, particularly the threat posed to the Ankobra River.