The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 12 suspected illegal miners in an operation at Osino in the Eastern Region.
The operation forms part of intensified efforts by the government to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Reports indicate that mining equipment found at the site was also destroyed during the operation.
The latest operation comes as NAIMOS steps up enforcement activities against illegal mining across the country. The Secretariat has recently launched Operation Water Shield, a sustained campaign targeting illegal mining activities along major rivers and other critical water resources.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Stephen Mensah on Thursday, September 25, 2026, NAIMOS Spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf said this is why a permanent security presence is needed at known galamsey hotspots.
Osino and other parts of the Eastern Region have faced persistent illegal mining activities, raising concerns about their impact on land, forests and water bodies. Authorities have therefore increased operations aimed at removing illegal miners and dismantling equipment used in such activities.
“This basically affirms why the permanent deployment forms part of the government’s core strategies,” he said.
Schadorf said the task force had already flushed out illegal miners from the site days earlier, but the miners returned with their equipment.
”You saw when we arrived how all of them have put together their equipment, and then they are back at the very same place they were flushed out,” he said.
He said the situation supports calls for permanent security at such sites. Which ”supports the Minister’s idea that permanent deployment is the way to go,” he said.
Among the 12 arrested was a 15-year-old boy identified only as Bernard.
Bernard, who is from Navrongo, told JoyNews he was brought to the site to work and raise money for his education. He said he arrived and started work on the morning of September 25, 2026.
Schandorf also called for stronger local action, saying police stations in galamsey-affected communities should be able to respond quickly.
“NAIMOS should not have to come all the way from its headquarters for some of these operations,” he said
He said operations alone are not enough and communities must also play a role.
“Some benefit from galamsey, while others are against the fight. So it’s a divided front,” he added.
He said local information is key to the fight, especially because illegal mining is now deeply rooted in some communities.
“Illegal mining has become a national concern,” he said.
NAIMOS says it will continue operations at galamsey hotspots while government works on permanent deployments to stop miners from returning to cleared sites.The 12 suspects are expected to face further investigations as authorities continue efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the country’s environmental resources.
BY: NKETIAH PIOUS
