Excavators Seized as NAIMOS Raids Galamsey Sites in Eastern Region

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has carried out a major operation targeting illegal mining sites in the Eastern Region.

The raid, conducted on Monday, October 13, 2025, focused on Oda Nkwanta in Birim Central Municipality and Akanteng Asamankese, areas notorious for illegal mining activities.

At Oda Nkwanta, the team found three excavators at work. The miners fled on sight, leaving behind two machines on-site and one hidden in nearby bushes. The task force disabled the excavators and burned personal belongings and mining equipment, including a water pumping machine and motorbikes.

Later, at Akanteng Kyebi, the team discovered two more excavators operating close to the River Birim, contributing to water pollution and forest destruction. These machines were also immobilized.

Further checks along the Kyebi–Asamankese route revealed six additional excavators hidden in the bushes, with most already stripped of control boards by miners who fled before the task force arrived.

Officials say the operation exposed the widespread environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in the region. They called for stronger punishments and more logistical support, including low-bed trucks to move seized equipment.

The NAIMOS task force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and intensifying efforts to end galamsey activities across the country.