NAIMOS Arrests 7 for Illegal Mining Along Boin River, Seizes Pump-Action Guns

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested seven individuals during an enforcement operation targeting illegal mining activities along the Boin River at Boinso–Abrokyire in the Aowin District of the Western North Region.

The operation, conducted by the NAIMOS Enchi Task Force on April 11, also led to the retrieval of three pump-action guns and other equipment linked to illegal mining.

Acting on intelligence about ongoing mining activities, the task force moved to the site where officers observed active mineral washing and pumping within and around the river, posing significant environmental risks.

During the operation, a wooden structure located near the mining site was searched, leading to the discovery of three pump-action guns and 37 cartridges. Officers also retrieved two excavator control monitors believed to be used in the illegal operations.

The task force dismantled and destroyed structures facilitating the activities, while arresting all seven suspects without resistance. The suspects included four foreign nationals and three Ghanaians.

The Ghanaian suspects were subsequently handed over to the Boinso Police Station for further investigation. No casualties or injuries were reported during the exercise.

NAIMOS described the recovery of firearms and ammunition as a worrying development, noting the growing level of organisation among illegal mining networks.

The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and follow-up operations in the area to protect water bodies, forest reserves, and natural resources from illegal exploitation.