In a dramatic and well-coordinated operation, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) has stormed the Oda Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region, arresting several armed illegal miners and seizing large sums of suspected bribery money used to compromise local enforcement officers.
The special operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, was part of the government’s intensified efforts to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to official reports, NAIMOS operatives acted on credible intelligence that revealed a network of heavily armed miners operating deep within the forest reserve. Upon arrival, the team encountered stiff resistance from the illegal operators, leading to a brief exchange before the armed thugs were subdued and arrested.
During the raid, huge sums of cash believed to be bribery funds, along with sophisticated weapons, excavators, and gold processing equipment, were seized. The team also discovered makeshift wooden structures, which served as temporary shelter and operational bases for the illegal miners. All the structures and machinery were subsequently dismantled and destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
A senior NAIMOS officer who led the operation described the discovery as “a shocking revelation of how deeply illegal mining has infiltrated our forest reserves.” He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and warned that “no amount of intimidation or bribery will derail the fight to restore Ghana’s environment.”
Residents of nearby communities have commended the swift intervention, describing it as “a bold step” towards reclaiming the once lush Oda Forest, which has been severely degraded by illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and prosecution.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that such high-impact operations continue across the country until all illegal mining activities are brought to an end.
This latest raid adds to the growing list of successful NAIMOS interventions aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s environment, preserving its biodiversity, and protecting the nation’s vital water sources from further pollution.