Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have intensified operations against illegal mining activities in the Western Region, leading to the arrest of three suspected illegal miners and the destruction of several pieces of mining equipment.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, targeted the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality and the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve in the Ahanta West Municipality.
A statement issued by NAIMOS said the taskforce raided an illegal mining site at Mile Five in Tarkwa Nsuaem following intelligence that suspected miners were discharging mining waste directly into the Yorn River, causing severe pollution.
It said the polluted water was believed to flow into the Ankobrah River, raising concerns about the safety of water bodies in the area.
Out of about 20 suspected illegal miners operating at the site, three were arrested.
They were identified as Joseph Mensah, 22, Abdulia Dauda, 27, and Kabre Daniel, 27.
The statement said the taskforce seized and destroyed six Chanfa machines, eight water pumping machines, several water hoses, as well as makeshift structures and personal belongings belonging to the suspects.
It said an additional five water pumping machines were also seized during the operation.
In a separate exercise, the taskforce moved into the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve where it disrupted illegal mining activities within the protected forest area.
The statement said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the authorities to clamp down on illegal mining and protect the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
