The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has halted illegal mining activities on COCOBOD research lands at Bunso in the Eastern Region following a major raid on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
During the operation at the COCOBOD Demonstration Farm, Section E, the taskforce uncovered eight excavators and arrested 12 illegal miners who were actively operating on the protected research site. The suspects were handed over to the Ghana Police Service to assist with investigations and possible prosecution, while the seized excavators were transported to the NAIMOS equipment base in Accra.
This latest action follows earlier warnings issued by NAIMOS, as the taskforce had previously visited the site twice to stop the illegal activities. Despite these interventions, the miners reportedly returned to the location within a week, prompting the decisive enforcement action.
In a related operation, NAIMOS, in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, has also intensified a crackdown on illegal mining along the Ankobra River in the Western Region. The operation, which began on January 2, forced hundreds of illegal miners to flee upon the taskforce’s arrival.
As part of the exercise, the joint taskforce destroyed about 100 dredging platforms, 50 water pumping machines, and several makeshift structures. Pipelines discharging mining waste into the Ankobra River were also dismantled, while five excavators found near the river were immobilised to prevent further use.
NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operations and pursuing illegal miners until galamsey activities are completely eradicated from affected communities.
