Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) launched a major cleanup exercise on Saturday, January 17, 2026, targeting rampant illegal mining (galamsey) sites along the Kumasi–Sunyani Highway, spanning the Ashanti and Ahafo Regions.
The operation began around 8:20 a.m. at Bronikrom, near Mankraso, where the task force stormed an illegal mining site located just 30 meters from the road between Bronikrom and Mankraso, before proceeding toward Adugyama.
Upon sighting the NAIMOS team, the illegal miners fled, abandoning an excavator and other equipment. The task force immediately immobilised the excavator by removing its monitor, batteries, and other vital components.
The team then moved to Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South West District, where early intelligence indicated active galamsey operations. The miners had already absconded by the time the task force arrived. Similar to the previous site, the excavator was found tampered with no monitor or control board attached and was rendered inoperable.
Acting on further intelligence, the NAIMOS operatives proceeded to Adeji Mim, a suburb of Duayaw Nkwanta in the Ahafo Region. There, they confirmed that the Tano River runs directly along the illegal mining site.
Investigations revealed that the miners relied heavily on the river for their operations, causing severe pollution through unchecked sediment discharge, chemical use, and other destructive practices.
The task force flushed out remaining activities at the site and burned some equipment to prevent reuse.
NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to eradicating galamsey along major highways and river bodies, protecting vital infrastructure, water sources, and the environment. Operations are expected to continue in the coming days as part of broader efforts to reclaim degraded lands and safeguard public safety.
