NAIMOS arrests 13 suspected illegal miners in raid on Offin River

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has raided a large illegal mining site at Subin Akwaaboso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region, arresting several 13 illegal miners operating on the Offin River.

The operation, which forms part of the fourth day of NAIMOS' ongoing anti-galamsey crackdown, has intensified in the Ashanti Region.

The regional team has joined forces with the Director of Operations, Col. Kwame Sam Appiah, and a team from the Secretariat's headquarters.

During the operation, the task force uncovered a large illegal mining site where several Chanfang machines had been mounted and deployed on the Offin River for illegal mining activities.

Footage from the operation captured tense scenes as some residents reportedly mobilised in large numbers, riding motorcycles and armed with weapons, in what appeared to be an attempt to resist the operation.

Gunshots were also heard during the confrontation, raising security concerns.

Col. Appiah told the press that the taskforce deployed specific strategies to contain the situation, particularly after some miners allegedly attempted to retaliate with firearms.

The latest operation follows three days of intensive anti-illegal mining activities in the Western North Region, where NAIMOS disrupted several illegal mining operations as part of its nationwide efforts to combat environmental destruction and protect the country's water bodies.