A joint task force comprised of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat apprehended illegal mining syndicates in the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, Nkawie Forest District.
The pre-dawn special operation forms part of government’s commitment in dealing with illegal mining activities.
The joint team seized 12 excavators and two motorcycles, arrested five suspects, including a Chinese national, and recovered two pump-action shotguns from raided mining camps.
The operation, which began at 4:00 AM on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, saw the Taskforce from Accra, storm the reserves after linking up with Forestry Officers at Nkawie. Upon arrival, some of the illegal miners fled in disarray, abandoning their equipment.
The military wing of the task force set the workers’ camp ablaze, sending a strong message to perpetrators of environmental destruction. The operations span over 3 days – Wednesday to early hours of Friday, 6th June 2025.
Among those apprehended were individuals identified as Simon Mensah, Edward Addo, Aboagye Foster, and Amoah Justice, while identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were also retrieved.
The suspects were handed over to the Nkawie District Police, while the confiscated excavators were transported to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks for safekeeping.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
