A renewed nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has once again brought Ghana’s fight against environmental destruction into sharp focus, following major operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in parts of the Western Region.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, operatives of NAIMOS extended their ongoing enforcement campaign to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality and the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, disrupting illegal mining activities that were reportedly causing severe ecological damage.
The raids, which targeted areas believed to be hotspots of illegal mining, have sparked renewed public debate—particularly over the growing controversy surrounding certain District Assemblies alleged to be “regularizing” and taxing illegal mining machinery operators within their jurisdictions.
Illegal Mining Waste Discharged Into Yorn River
The first operation was carried out at a galamsey site at Mile 5 in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, following intelligence reports that illegal miners were actively operating in the area.
According to the information available, the miners were allegedly discharging mining waste directly into the Yorn River, resulting in significant pollution.
Environmental observers have warned that the contamination of the Yorn River is especially alarming because the river feeds into the Ankobrah River, one of the major water bodies serving communities across the Western Region.
The pollution of such rivers continues to threaten livelihoods, destroy aquatic ecosystems, and compromise the safety of potable water supplies.
Second Raid Conducted in Cape Three Points Forest Reserve
In a separate but equally significant operation, NAIMOS operatives stormed another illegal mining enclave within the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve in the Ahanta West Municipality.
The forest reserve, considered one of Ghana’s critical ecological zones, has increasingly come under attack from illegal mining syndicates, despite repeated government warnings.
The taskforce’s intervention was aimed at preventing further destruction of protected lands and halting the expansion of mining operations into forest reserves.
Three Arrested Out of Twenty Miners
Although approximately 20 illegal miners were reportedly operating at the sites, only three suspects were arrested during the raids.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
Joseph Mensah, 22 years
Abdulia Dauda, 27 years
Kabre Daniel, 27 years
The limited number of arrests has raised concerns among observers about the difficulty of apprehending offenders, many of whom reportedly flee upon receiving early warning of taskforce movements.
Equipment Seized and Destroyed
In addition to arrests, the taskforce seized and destroyed several pieces of equipment used in the illegal operations, including:
Six (6) Changfan machines
Eight (8) water pumping machines
Several water hoses
Various makeshift structures and personal belongings
Furthermore, five (5) additional water pumping machines were seized for further action.
The destruction of the machinery is part of NAIMOS’ strategy to permanently disable illegal mining operations and prevent re-entry by offenders.
Public Outcry Over Assemblies “Regularizing” Illegal Mining
However, the raid has ignited a wave of public questions and frustration, especially over reports that some District Assemblies in other parts of the country have allegedly taken steps to “regularize” the use of Changfan machines and even impose levies on operators.
Critics argue that such actions amount to an endorsement of environmental crime and a contradiction of the state’s anti-galamsey agenda.
A concerned citizen, reacting to the Western Region raid, posed several pressing questions that reflect growing national unease:
The first concern centers on the apparent inconsistency of enforcement:
Why is NAIMOS burning Changfan machines while some Assemblies are regularizing and taxing Changfan operators in their districts?
This question underscores what many see as a clash between national policy and local administrative actions.
Another major issue is the legitimacy of District Assemblies allegedly collecting revenue from operators of equipment widely associated with illegal mining:
Why are we justifying District Assemblies that have endorsed the criminal taxing of Changfan operators and allowing them to operate?
Critics argue that such practices normalize illegality under the guise of local governance.
Selective enforcement?
Concerns have also been raised about districts where such “endorsements” are reportedly occurring, including:
Amansie Central
Upper Denkyira East
Tano
Observers question why similar raids have not been conducted in those areas.
Can illegality be regularized in one place and punished in another?
Perhaps the most troubling question is the broader implication for justice and governance:
Are we saying it is good to regularize illegality in one place and arrest people for the same offence in other areas?
This speaks to fears of unequal enforcement, institutional contradictions, and weakening public confidence in the fight against galamsey.
The NAIMOS operations in Tarkwa Nsuaem and Cape Three Points demonstrate government’s continued commitment to combating illegal mining.
Yet, the controversy surrounding alleged local-level “regularization” efforts highlights the urgent need for coherence, accountability, and unified enforcement across the country.
Environmental advocates insist that illegal mining cannot be fought effectively if some institutions are perceived to be profiting from or legitimizing the same practices being criminalized elsewhere.
As Ghana confronts the devastating consequences of galamsey—from polluted rivers to destroyed forests—the call for a consistent national approach has never been louder.
The fight, many argue, must be uniform, uncompromising, and free from contradictions, if the country is to win the battle for its environment and future generations.
