A dawn operation by the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Strategy (NAIMOS) has led to the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners following an armed ambush on a taskforce at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, May 2, 2026, was a direct response to an incident on Tuesday, April 28, when an illegal mining gang opened fire on a NAIMOS team. The attackers reportedly used pump-action shotguns to fire multiple rounds at a Zonda pickup vehicle. While the taskforce was forced to make a tactical withdrawal, no casualties were reported.
Following intelligence gathering, a coordinated cordon and search operation was executed across the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) plantation and surrounding areas. Security forces initially detained 114 individuals at the Adiewoso Community Centre for screening.
Of those held, 49 were identified as suspected illegal miners, including three foreign nationals: Abdul Karim from Niger, and Nash Ishaku and Eliyasu Sie from Burkina Faso. The remaining individuals, who included 12 senior high school students, eight casual GREL workers, and several local artisans, were cleared of involvement and released.
Authorities seized over GH₵226,000 in cash during the raid. Searches of two vehicles—a Toyota Raize belonging to Daniel Avoka and a Toyota Hilux belonging to Ebenezer Cobbinah—uncovered GH₵140,000 and GH₵86,710 respectively. Officers also recovered a pump-action firearm, containers of substances suspected to be gold, suspected Indian hemp, and cartons of cigarettes.
The operation was supported by GREL management and the Agona Ahanta Police Command. The 49 suspects have been handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigation.
NAIMOS stated that the operation underscores its commitment to tackling illegal mining, particularly where it threatens legitimate concessions, livelihoods, and environmental resources. It assured the public that it “remains resolute in enforcing the law and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.”