The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it has made significant progress in its intensified nationwide clampdown on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” with dozens of excavators seized and hundreds of suspects arrested.
Speaking at the NAIMOS Editors’ Forum and quarterly press briefing held at the Press Centre in Accra on Wednesday, March 25, the Director of Operations, Dominic Buah, revealed that 94 excavators have been confiscated and nearly 3,000 changfans destroyed. He added that 237 individuals have been arrested so far, the majority of them being foreign nationals.
Col. Buah explained that the Secretariat evaluates its success using a “strike rate,” which currently stands at 87.7 percent. According to him, each successful operation—whether it results in arrests, seizures, or destruction of equipment—is counted as a positive outcome contributing to this rate.
Due to logistical constraints, he noted that some excavators found at illegal mining sites are immobilised rather than removed. This strategy, he said, has contributed to a sharp decline in the number of machines actively operating at galamsey sites.
“In the past, we would encounter between 10 and 20 excavators at a site, but now it is rare to find any in operation. Those present are usually already immobilised,” he stated.
Despite these gains, Col. Buah acknowledged that illegal miners continue to evolve their tactics, often finding new ways to repair and reuse damaged equipment.
He further disclosed that NAIMOS has partnered with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation to remove and recycle metal waste from polluted rivers. The initiative is currently underway on the Ankobra River, where damaged components of changfans are being cleared from the water.
According to him, the Secretariat is systematically moving from one affected water body to another to collect scrap materials, which can then be repurposed for productive use.
In addition, NAIMOS is redirecting confiscated equipment to support sectors such as agriculture. Pumping machines seized during operations are being handed over through the Ministry of Agriculture to farmers, ensuring they are put to beneficial use rather than returning to illegal mining.
Seized vehicles, he added, are also being integrated into official operations after completing the necessary legal procedures.
On the security front, Col. Buah revealed that at least 59 weapons have been recovered from illegal miners, describing the situation as a serious national security concern. He recounted a recent incident in which a soldier was shot during an operation but survived after the bullet struck his gear.
He issued a strong warning to illegal miners against the use of violence, stressing that NAIMOS personnel are well-trained and will respond decisively to any threats.
While acknowledging the complexity of the challenge, Col. Buah reaffirmed NAIMOS’ commitment to tackling illegal mining and ensuring the safety of its operatives in the field.
