NAIMOS Arrests 13 Suspected Illegal Miners at Subin Akwaboaso After Gun and Cutlass Confrontation on Offin River

Story By: Deborah Adorsu

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 13 suspected illegal miners during a major enforcement operation at Subin Akwaboaso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.

The arrests were made on Sunday afternoon, November 1, 2026, during an operation targeting illegal mining activities along the Offin River. The exercise was carried out by NAIMOS personnel together with members of the Ghana Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS).

According to a statement issued on Monday, November 2, and signed by its Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the taskforce encountered considerable resistance from a group of individuals during the operation.

The statement said some of the residents mobilized in large numbers on motorcycles and were wielding cutlasses, firearms and other offensive weapons, creating serious risk for the enforcement personnel and others present. Reports indicate gunshots were fired at the team as they attempted to disrupt the illegal mining site.

During the raid, the team discovered several Chanfang machines mounted on the Offin River and actively being used for galamsey operations, causing severe pollution and environmental degradation.

Despite the provocation, the operation, led by the Director of Operations of NAIMOS, Colonel K. S. Appiah (Col. Kwame Sam Appiah), exercised maximum restraint and took decisive measures to prevent the situation from escalating. Personnel were reported to have swam and waded through the muddy river to effect arrests and destroy equipment.

NAIMOS did not disclose the identities of the suspects but confirmed that all arrested persons will be handed over to relevant authorities. The Secretariat warned that individuals who attack its personnel or obstruct lawful enforcement operations will be referred for prosecution.

The operation forms part of the fourth day of NAIMOS’ intensified anti-galamsey campaign, dubbed Operation Water Shield, following three days of operations in the Western North Region.

NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with security agencies, regulatory institutions and local communities to dismantle illegal mining operations and protect the country’s water bodies.