The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), has dismantled a major illegal mining network operating within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on October 23, 2025, led to the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed impostors posing as National Security operatives.
According to NAIMOS, the impostors were apprehended in khaki uniforms and claimed to be acting under the command of a “Major Jabari.” A search on them uncovered a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs — all seized as exhibits.
During the exercise, NAIMOS operatives also intercepted individuals who attempted to bribe officers with GH₵120,000 for the release of arrested miners. The suspects were immediately detained for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
The task force later discovered that illegal miners had established a settlement deep within the forest, with wooden structures and tents serving as operational bases. The structures and equipment were destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
NAIMOS said the operation exposed widespread environmental destruction, including deforestation and polluted water bodies in the reserve.
Director of Operations, Colonel Dominic Buah, commended the joint effort, describing it as “a model of inter-agency cooperation and enforcement excellence.”
“No individual, group, or impostor will be allowed to exploit Ghana’s natural resources with impunity,” Colonel Buah stated. “Through sustained partnerships with the Regional Security Councils, NAIMOS will continue to identify, dismantle, and neutralize illegal mining operations across the country to protect our forests and water bodies for future generations.
The operation marks a major step in the government’s renewed campaign to restore degraded forest reserves and clamp down on illegal mining across the country.
