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NAIMOS disables six excavators and seizes firearms in anti-galamsey raid at Ahwiren
July 18, 2026
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NAIMOS disables six excavators and seizes firearms in anti-galamsey raid at Ahwiren

Money
Policy
Growth

Key Points

  • The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) dismantled an illegal mining (galamsey) operation at Ahwiren in the Bekwai Municipality, Ashanti Region.
  • The intelligence-led raid disabled six excavators, destroyed four pumping engines, and recovered two Adler pump-action shotguns with 19 rounds of ammunition.
  • The operation was taking place on approximately 20 acres of farmland along the headwaters of the Subin River, with miners diverting the natural watercourse.
  • Investigators found that the operators lacked approval under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Environmental Development Scheme (rCOMSDEP) and were mining outside their application coordinates, raising community concerns about environmental destruction and proximity to public infrastructure.
  • This action is part of intensified government efforts by security agencies to combat illegal mining in environmentally sensitive areas and major water bodies to protect Ghana's forests, farmlands, and river systems.

Why This Matters

This incident underscores Ghana's ongoing struggle with illegal mining (galamsey), which severely degrades vital natural resources like water bodies and farmlands, threatening public health and agricultural livelihoods. The presence of firearms further highlights the security challenges associated with these illicit operations, complicating government efforts to enforce environmental policies and promote sustainable development across the nation.

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