A joint taskforce under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners and seized multiple equipment during two intelligence-led operations along the Offin River in the Ashanti Region.
The operations, carried out on April 12 and 13, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey at Droso and Eniamoah, near Ntoboroso.
During the first operation at Droso, the NAIMOS team, based in Manso Adubia, acted on intelligence reportedly gathered from sources in Amansie South.
The taskforce moved to the site between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., where they encountered active mining activities along the Offin River.
Nineteen suspects, aged between 23 and 35, were arrested at the scene. Authorities said some miners fled upon seeing the taskforce, but most were apprehended without incident.
Items retrieved during the operation included eight water pumping machines, five motorbikes, an excavator monitor, and an excavator key.
In a separate operation the following day, the taskforce proceeded to Eniamoah after receiving further intelligence about illegal mining along the river. Upon arrival, officers observed what they described as extensive mining activity.
However, the miners fled the area on sighting the taskforce, leaving behind equipment. Officers seized 15 motorbikes believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.
Officials noted that the scale of operations at Eniamoah indicates a high concentration of illegal mining activity in the area, raising concerns about environmental degradation along the Offin River.
Background and Response:
NAIMOS indicated that enforcement efforts will be intensified, with the Blue Water Guards expected to increase patrols in the Eniamoah and Ntoboroso areas to curb ongoing illegal mining.
The Secretariat emphasized that the operations highlight the importance of intelligence-sharing among agencies in combating galamsey and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement along the Offin River.
Authorities say the latest arrests and seizures form part of broader efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and protect water bodies, with continued operations expected in affected communities.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
