NAIMOS Taskforce Intensifies Galamsey Crackdown in Ashanti Region, Seizes Excavators and Guns
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has ramped up operations against illegal mining (galamsey) in the Ashanti Region, dismantling multiple sites and seizing heavy equipment and firearms over the weekend of February 14–15, 2026.
Saturday, February 14 – Edwinase, Bekwai Municipality
The taskforce raided two illegal mining sites. Miners fled upon sighting the team’s vehicles.
First site: Washing plants, a motorcycle, a tricycle, makeshift structures and an industrial pumping machine were destroyed by fire. A Sany excavator was immobilised by removing its monitor and key components. One pump-action gun with 14 BB cartridges was seized.
Second site: Makeshift structures and additional mining equipment were burnt. Two pump-action guns, three pumping machines and a radiator were confiscated. Two Lingong excavators were seized and transported to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement in Kumasi.
Total recoveries from Saturday: three excavators, three pump-action guns, three pumping machines, a radiator, a monitor and 14 BB cartridges.
Sunday, February 15 – Wromanso, Amansie Central District (along River Offin)
The taskforce targeted sites that had caused extensive damage to farmlands, severe river pollution and degradation of forest reserves. Deep abandoned pits posed ongoing dangers to residents.
As the team approached, miners again fled. The operation destroyed several small and industrial pumping machines and burnt changfang machines operating directly on the river.
Recovered equipment included:
Two Sany excavators
One wheel loader
One XCMG excavator
All seized machinery was conveyed to the NAIMOS lodgement in Kumasi. The operation concluded around 9:00 p.m.
NAIMOS described the sites as having been largely abandoned due to the taskforce’s sustained presence in the region. The Secretariat says it intends to deepen operations in Ashanti and is calling for enhanced logistics support, including lowbeds, speed boats and life jackets, to strengthen the fight against galamsey.
The operations reflect ongoing national efforts to protect water bodies, farmlands and forest reserves from illegal mining activities.
