The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 28 suspected illegal mining operators and destroyed dozens of machines and equipment following an enforcement operation at Akango in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The operation targeted an illegal mining site where activities had extended dangerously close to a public road, raising concerns about the encroachment of mining operations into public spaces.
NAIMOS said its task force initially detained about 195 people during the exercise as personnel moved to secure the site and dismantle the operation.
Following preliminary screening, 28 individuals identified as suspected foremen and machine owners were arrested and handed over to the Axim Police Station for further investigation.
The task force also destroyed 29 chanfang machines, 37 water pumps, five motorbikes and a tricycle found at the site as part of efforts to prevent the immediate resumption of mining activities.
Before destroying the equipment and infrastructure, personnel directed the miners to remove their belongings from the affected area.
NAIMOS said the operation was prompted by concerns over illegal mining activities increasingly encroaching on roads, farms, settlements and other public spaces.
The Secretariat has warned that it will sustain intelligence-led patrols and follow-up operations in the Nzema East area to prevent cleared sites from being occupied again.
It also says efforts will be made to identify and pursue financiers, equipment owners and other individuals supporting the illegal mining activities.
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