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The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 28 suspected illegal mining operators and destroyed several pieces of mining equipment during an enforcement operation at Akango in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The exercise targeted an illegal mining site where operations had reportedly extended dangerously close to a public road, raising concerns about mining activities encroaching on public spaces.
According to NAIMOS, its task force initially detained approximately 195 people during the operation as officers moved to secure the site and dismantle the illegal mining activities.
After preliminary screening, 28 individuals suspected to be foremen and owners of mining equipment were arrested and handed over to the Axim Police Station for further investigations.
The task force also destroyed 29 chanfang machines, 37 water pumps, five motorbikes and one tricycle found at the site to prevent the immediate resumption of the illegal activities.
Before the destruction of the equipment and infrastructure, the officers instructed the miners to retrieve their personal belongings from the affected area.
NAIMOS explained that the operation was necessitated by growing concerns over illegal mining activities spreading into roads, farms, settlements and other public spaces.
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The Secretariat has indicated that it will continue intelligence-led patrols and conduct follow-up operations across the Nzema East area to ensure that cleared sites are not reoccupied.
It further disclosed that efforts would be intensified to identify and pursue financiers, equipment owners and other individuals suspected of supporting the illegal mining operations.