A joint operation between the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has resulted in a major crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Oda River Forest Reserve. The operation, conducted on October 23, 2025, led to the arrest of 15 suspected illegal miners and 9 armed imposters posing as National Security operatives.
*Operation Details*
The joint taskforce deployed three tactical teams across the forest reserve to secure access routes and apprehend suspects. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives intercepted several illegal miners attempting to flee on motorbikes. The suspects were found to be operating in a severely degraded environment, with vegetation cleared, land degraded, and water bodies heavily polluted.
*Seized Items and Bribery Attempt*
During the operation, the following items were confiscated:
– One pistol with three rounds of ammunition
– A toy pistol
– A pump-action shotgun with three cartridges
– Two handcuffs
– Eight pouches
A bribery attempt was also foiled when individuals attempted to offer GH₵100,000 and GH₵20,000 “chop money” to secure the release of arrested suspects.
*NAIMOS’ Commitment*
The Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, commended the joint effort, describing the operation as “a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.” He emphasized that no individual or group will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity [1].
By Josephine Tetteh.
