# NAIMOS anti-illegal mining operations in Ghana > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/naimos-anti-illegal-mining-operations-in-ghana > Updated: 2026-11-04T15:25:07.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 6. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified nationwide enforcement actions against illegal mining, known as galamsey. These operations, including ‘Operation WATER SHIELD’ and ‘Operation GREEN SHIELD’, have targeted the River Tano, the Offin River, and various forest reserves. Recent enforcement has involved the destruction of chanfang machines, water pumps, and generators, alongside the arrest of numerous suspects. Violent encounters have increased during these raids. At Subin Akwaaboso on the Offin River, security forces supported by the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron encountered armed resistance from individuals using firearms and cutlasses, resulting in 13 arrests. 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. Conversely, joint patrols by the Blue Water Guards, the Minerals Commission, and NAIMOS reported the successful restoration of the Greater Amanzole River in the Western Region following sustained monitoring. In a recent operation at Nipanekro in the Upper Denkyira West District, NAIMOS and the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron immobilized mining equipment on the River Offin. Drone footage reportedly captured individuals, some allegedly carrying pump-action guns, gathering approximately two miles from the site and threatening to confront the team. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources stated that NAIMOS is mandated to enforce the law through arrests rather than aggression, though officials noted that proportionate action may be taken if officers face imminent threats. To support these efforts, the government plans to allocate GH¢200 million to NAIMOS in the 2027 budget. Legal and territorial disputes continue to escalate. CMS-PRO Industries and A&A Southern Industries have defended their lawful acquisition of the Nsutam and Osiem mining leases, rejecting allegations of an armed takeover. ## Claims - NAIMOS arrested 13 suspected illegal miners during a raid on the Offin River in the Upper Denkyira West District. (reported by 4 sources) - Northern Ashanti Mines allegedly owes more than US$8.38 million in statutory fees. (reported by 4 sources) - Dr. Steve Manteaw argues that outstanding debt alone should not be sufficient grounds for revoking a mining lease. (reported by 4 sources) - The Greater Amanzole River has recovered from pollution following joint patrols by the Blue Water Guards, Minerals Commission, and NAIMOS. (reported by 1 source) - One suspect was killed and four others were arrested during an armed clash in the Atiwa Forest Reserve. (reported by 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. (reported by 1 source) - Operation Water Shield involved the destruction of four floating chanfang platforms on the River Offin. (reported by 1 source) - The Blue Water Guards Initiative was inaugurated by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. (reported by 1 source) - NAIMOS and the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron immobilized mining equipment on the River Offin at Nipanekro. (reported by 1 source) - A group of individuals allegedly carrying pump-action guns gathered near the operation site and threatened security personnel. (reported by 1 source) - The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources stated that NAIMOS' primary responsibility is to enforce the law through arrests. (reported by 1 source) - NAIMOS may take proportionate action if officers face imminent threats of death or injury. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Ghana's NAIMOS disables illegal mining equipment on River Offin Ghana's NAIMOS and Navy disabled illegal mining equipment on the River Offin following reports of armed resistance. The government also plans to allocate GH¢200 million to the task force by 2027. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-naimos-disables-illegal-mining-equipment-on-river-offin ### 2026-11-01: Ghana intensifies crackdown on illegal mining operations Ghanaian authorities are intensifying anti-galamsey operations, resulting in arrests and a fatality, while facing debate over the revocation of Northern Ashanti Mines' lease due to unpaid debts. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/naimos-conducts-raids-and-faces-allegations-in-ghana-mining-operations ### 2026-10-29: NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in Ghana Ghana's NAIMOS is intensifying its fight against illegal mining through arrests, equipment destruction, and targeting equipment suppliers, while launching community engagements to improve intelligence. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-naimos-launches-community-engagement-to-combat-illegal-mining ### 2026-10-26: Ghana intensifies military-backed operations against illegal mining Ghana is deploying military-backed task forces and armed security camps to protect forest reserves from illegal mining, targeting both active sites and equipment supply chains. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-naimos-targets-illegal-mining-equipment-suppliers ### 2026-10-21: NAIMOS destroys 92 mining machines on Tano River NAIMOS destroyed 92 chanfang machines during a four-day operation against illegal mining on the Tano River in Ghana's Western North Region. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/naimos-destroys-92-mining-machines-on-tano-river ### 2026-10-19: NAIMOS destroys 92 illegal mining machines on River Tano NAIMOS destroyed 92 chanfang machines along Ghana's River Tano during a four-day operation to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation near the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/naimos-destroys-92-illegal-mining-machines-on-river-tano --- Cite as: NAIMOS anti-illegal mining operations in Ghana. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/naimos-anti-illegal-mining-operations-in-ghana