Aboso, Western Region – October 6, 2025
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has stepped up its clampdown on illegal mining activities in the Western Region with a major operation on Monday, October 5, 2025, targeting the notorious “Gangway” enclave in Aboso, within the Prestea-Huni Valley District.
In what authorities describe as a decisive strike against illegal mining and related vices, the Task Force stormed the community, long known as a haven for illegal miners and criminal gangs, destroying several makeshift structures that served as hideouts and drug dens.
Galamsey equipment found at the site was also destroyed to prevent further operations.
According to a statement from NAIMOS, several hundred residents, mostly illegal miners and individuals involved in illicit activities such as drug peddling and gambling, voluntarily surrendered to the Task Force during the raid.
Eleven parcels of Indian hemp and other prohibited substances were seized in the process.
This latest action follows a similar operation in June 2025, during which NAIMOS issued stern warnings to criminal elements and galamsey operators to vacate the area.
Those warnings, however, were largely ignored, prompting this renewed crackdown.
While en route to Aboso, the Task Force also carried out coordinated anti-galamsey activities in the Dadwen-Domping areas of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
These actions led to the seizure of fifteen water pumping machines and one generator set, alongside the destruction of three “chanfangs” and other illegal mining equipment.
A spokesperson for NAIMOS reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining and its associated social vices, which have long undermined environmental sustainability and public safety in mining communities.
“The Secretariat will not relent in its efforts to restore law and order in affected communities and protect Ghana’s natural resources,” the statement emphasized.
The recent operations form part of a nationwide strategy to eliminate the environmental degradation, pollution, and lawlessness associated with galamsey, while rehabilitating communities affected by the practice.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
