The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has resumed intensified operations against illegal mining activities in parts of the Eastern Region, with a renewed focus on protecting water bodies, forests, farmlands and road corridors.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the NAIMOS task force launched coordinated raids targeting mining activities along and within major waterways in the region.

The latest operation led to the discovery of an active illegal mining site at Mampong, Sankubiase, in the Atiwa West District, where miners had been operating along the Asu-Kawkaw and Subi-Teyam streams.

The illegal miners reportedly fled the area upon spotting approaching task force vehicles. Several items left behind, including a motorbike, a Sany excavator and water pumping machines, were either seized or destroyed at the site.

During the operation, the task force identified fresh excavator tracks, suggesting recent mining activity. Following the tracks deep into surrounding bushes, officers uncovered three excavator machines—two Sany excavators and one XCMG excavator—which had been concealed. All three machines were seized and transported to Accra for further action.

Another Sany excavator found stuck in a pit was assessed to be faulty. NAIMOS operators detached key components, including the control board, monitor and oil pump, to render the machine inoperable. In addition, two heavy-duty multipurpose water pumping machines were destroyed.

These pumps were discharging waste water directly into the Asu-Kawkaw stream, a tributary of the Brim River, resulting in severe pollution from mining residue.

The task force later proceeded to a second illegal mining site along the Nkurakan–Abomoso road. Although no active mining was ongoing—following reports that operators had fled after news of the task force’s presence went viral—a Sany excavator found at the site was further immobilised by detaching its oil pump.

The machine’s control board and monitor had already been removed by suspected illegal miners.

At a third site at Akyem Tweapease, where mining was being carried out dangerously close to the Subi-Teyam stream, a CAT excavator was immobilised after officers removed three batteries, a control board and a monitor. Two water pumping machines were also seized from the site.

The Director of Operations at the NAIMOS Secretariat said the task force would intensify its ongoing offensive in the Eastern Region to sustain the environmental gains recorded in some river bodies.

He stressed that the renewed crackdown is aimed at ensuring long-term protection of the region’s natural resources and preventing the resurgence of illegal mining activities.