A task force from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), during a routine anti-galamsey patrol early on Monday, February 2, 2026, intercepted illegal mining activities along the main road near Akyem Techiman in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region.
According to NAIMOS, the illegal miners and other individuals at the site fled immediately upon the arrival of the task force to evade arrest.
In their haste, the miners abandoned several water-pumping machines and two excavators that were actively being used at the site. Investigations revealed that the first excavation pit was dangerously close to the main road, measuring approximately seven to ten metres away, posing a serious threat to road users and nearby communities.
The task force promptly seized the abandoned equipment, while NAIMOS excavator operators commenced urgent refilling of the pit, which was dug roughly seven metres from the road. The immediate intervention is aimed at reducing the imminent risk and preventing further environmental degradation, pending comprehensive reclamation works.
NAIMOS has cautioned illegal miners against engaging in such reckless activities, stressing that they not only degrade the environment but also pose grave public health and safety risks.
The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to dealing decisively with offenders in line with its enforcement guidelines and has called on local administrative, intelligence, and security authorities to intensify monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions.
