Col. K.S. Appiah: NAIMOS Conducted 738 Operations, Destroyed 1,970 Chanfangs, Recovered 74 Firearms In Galamsey Fight
The Director of Operations and Commander of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K.S. Appiah, has given a detailed account of the Secretariat’s operations in the fight against illegal mining.
Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Thursday, 22nd October, 2026, Col. Appiah revealed that between 13th June and 30th September, 2026, NAIMOS conducted 738 operational activities covering a cumulative distance of 50,662 kilometres.
He said the operations involved reconnaissance, mobile and riverine patrols, raids, special operations and community engagements.
According to him, the taskforce recovered 74 firearms and 551 rounds of ammunition, seized excavators, pumps, vehicles and other equipment used for illegal mining. A total of 1,970 chanfang machines and 863 makeshift structures were also destroyed.
Col. Appiah indicated that suspects arrested during the operations have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and action.
He announced that NAIMOS has established Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Esiama, Asankragua and Agona in the Western Region, Enchi in Western North, Kyebi in the Eastern Region, and Tepa and Manso Adubia in the Ashanti Region, with Temporary Operating Bases at Prestea and Kikam.
He said operations in the Western Region disrupted galamsey activities along the Ankobra and Butre rivers, in the Western North along the Tano and Bia rivers, in the Eastern Region along the Birim River and Atewa landscape, and in the Ashanti and Central Regions along the Offin and Pra rivers.
In the Savannah Region, operations at Wakawaka and Kpali along the Black Volta led to recovery of excavators, firearms and vehicles.
Next Phase:
Col. Appiah announced two major upcoming operations:
1. Operation WATERSHIELD – To consolidate river security with a dedicated riverine unit in collaboration with the Ghana Navy, to be deployed on the Ankobra River and later the Offin and Birim rivers, to prevent the return of illegal miners.
2. Operation GREEN SHIELD – To protect the Atewa Forest Reserve through three stages: Clear & Disrupt, Hold & Stabilise, and Transition & Handover to Forestry Commission guards.
He warned that mining in rivers, forests, farms and plantations must stop, stressing that individuals and groups who continue to pollute rivers and degrade forests will be dealt with decisively.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Navy, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for their support.
