49 arrested after NAIMOS taskforce survives attack in Western region

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 49 suspected illegal miners following a dawn operation on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region. The operation targeted illegal mining activities within the concession of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL). Officials describe the operation as following "a dangerous ambush on NAIMOS personnel two days earlier."

The earlier incident occurred on Tuesday, April 28, when a group of armed illegal miners allegedly opened fire on a taskforce team stationed in Nzema East. The attackers reportedly discharged multiple rounds at a NAIMOS vehicle, forcing officers to withdraw tactically without injuries. During the operation on April 30, NAIMOS operatives recovered a pump-action gun and seized large sums of money believed to be proceeds from illegal mining. This included GH₵140,000 found in a Toyota Raize linked to one suspect, and an additional GH₵86,710 recovered from a Toyota Hilux, along with substances suspected to be gold. Three of the suspects were identified as foreign nationals from Niger and Burkina Faso. 8 of those detained were confirmed as casual workers of GREL and were released, while 12 others were identified as senior high school students.

49 suspected illegal miners were handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigations. The owner of the Hilux, identified as Ebenezer Cobbinah, was arrested at the scene and is assisting with investigations. NAIMOS says the operation underscores its determination to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in areas where it threatens lawful businesses and the environment.