Story By: Nii Okpoti Odamtten & Muhammad Faisal Mustapha….
In a decisive demonstration of Ghana’s escalating campaign against illegal mining, the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested seven suspected illegal miners during a high impact operation at Akaatiso in the Bia West District of the Western North Region.
The operation, executed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, has once again underscored the renewed national determination to reclaim Ghana’s forest reserves, cocoa farmlands, and water bodies from the destructive grip of illegal mining activities commonly referred to as galamsey.
At the center of the operation was the strategic leadership vision of Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, whose aggressive anti galamsey agenda continues to reshape the country’s natural resource protection architecture with renewed urgency and operational precision.
The mission also reflected the tactical operational planning and field coordination expertise of Colonel Dominic Buah, whose intelligence led approach has increasingly become central to the success of NAIMOS interventions across mining hotspots in Ghana.
According to operational reports gathered by this publication, the NAIMOS operatives stationed in the Western North Region received urgent intelligence at approximately 0930 hours from the District Chief Executive for Bia West District regarding ongoing illegal mining activities within the Akaatiso enclave.
The information reportedly highlighted the alarming rate of environmental destruction taking place in the area and called for immediate intervention before the situation escalated beyond control.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, the NAIMOS team mobilized to the operational zone with support from the Blue Water Guards personnel stationed in the district, demonstrating the growing inter agency collaboration driving Ghana’s anti illegal mining campaign.
Upon arrival at a location identified by locals as “The Point,” operatives discovered two active illegal mining pits operating deep within what was originally a cocoa farm allegedly sold to illegal miners for mining purposes.
Investigators at the scene observed widespread destruction of fertile agricultural lands and sections of forest vegetation, a grim reflection of the environmental devastation that continues to threaten Ghana’s ecological sustainability and cocoa production economy.
Security operatives immediately launched coordinated raids within the operational area, leading to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be actively engaged in illegal mining activities.
The suspects were identified as Jacob Mensah, 34; Yaw Prince, 25; Nuhu Jafaru, 21; Darko Richmond, 26; Nuhu Mumuni, 35; Nana Yaw Donkor, 29; and Emmanuel Namle, 20.
Authorities indicated that the arrests formed part of a broader intelligence driven strategy aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks operating within vulnerable forest and farming communities across the country.
During the operation, NAIMOS operatives confiscated and destroyed several mining implements believed to have been used in the illegal activities.
The destroyed equipment included two Changfang machines, four water pumping machines, gold washing boards, carpets, and several water hoses used for alluvial mining operations.
Security analysts say the destruction of operational equipment remains one of the strongest deterrence mechanisms currently being employed by the anti-galamsey task force to weaken the operational capabilities of illegal mining syndicates.
In a dramatic twist during the return journey from the primary operational site, the NAIMOS team reportedly intercepted another group of individuals attempting to establish a fresh illegal mining base within the same area.
Upon spotting the advancing operatives, the new suspects abandoned their equipment and fled into nearby bushes before they could be apprehended.
NAIMOS personnel subsequently destroyed all abandoned equipment discovered at the secondary site, preventing what authorities describe as “an imminent expansion of illegal mining activities” within the district.
The successful operation has further elevated public confidence in the renewed anti illegal mining campaign being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
Observers within the environmental governance sector have praised the Minister’s growing emphasis on intelligence gathering, rapid response operations, and institutional coordination as critical pillars in the current fight against galamsey.
“This operation sends a very strong national signal that illegal mining activities will not be tolerated regardless of location or influence,” a senior security source close to the operation disclosed.
Another field operative involved in the mission noted, “The strategic operational planning from NAIMOS leadership continues to improve response efficiency. These operations are becoming faster, more targeted, and more impactful.”
Environmental advocates have also commended the operational discipline of the task force, particularly its focus on preventing further destruction of cocoa farms and forest reserves that remain vital to Ghana’s economic and environmental future.
For many residents within affected communities, the operation represents more than a law enforcement exercise; it symbolizes a growing national effort to preserve livelihoods, protect water resources, and restore confidence in state institutions.
The seven arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the Akaatiso Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s mining and environmental protection laws.
Industry watchers believe the latest operation reinforces the strategic operational doctrine being advanced by Colonel Dominic Buah and NAIMOS a doctrine centered on proactive intelligence, swift tactical deployment, environmental protection, and sustained disruption of illegal mining networks.
As Ghana intensifies its nation wideanti galamsey campaign, the Akaatiso operation may well stand as another defining example of the government’s determination to confront illegal mining head on while safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
