The National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) on Monday, November 17, 2025, stormed a galamsey site in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region.
NAIMOS, acting on intelligence, raided galamsey sites at Anyankyirem, a mining concession belonging to Ashanti Gold Corporation
Illegal miners from Amansie took over the Ashanti Gold Corporation’s legally acquired mining concession, forcing the company to abandon the site.
The operation also led to NAIMOS securing certain strategic areas around the Obuasi Airport.
During the raids, makeshift structures and other tools used for illegal mining were also destroyed, and several mining equipment, including motorbikes, vehicles and water pumps, were seized.
Several galamseyers, following the raid, bolted, but one suspect was arrested and is in custody, assisting with investigations and possible prosecution.
In related news, Peter Lanchene Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West and Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has criticised the GH₵150 million allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
According to Peter Lanchene Toobu, the GH₵150 million for the NAIMOS in the fight against illegal mining is too small.
The lawmaker further asserted that Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, will do something about the allocation to NAIMOS in the 2026 mid-year budget.
The NDC MP is quoted by TV3 as having said, “GH₵150 million for NAIMOS is too small and I’m quite sure the Minister of Finance will do something about it in the mid-year budget”.
His remarks come after Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, has revealed that an amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the 2026 fiscal year to fight galamsey.
According to Dr Forson, the allocation demonstrates the Mahama government’s continued commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural environment.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr Ato Forson stated, “An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for their activities against illegal mining and forest degradation”.
He added that the GH¢150m allocated will support ongoing enforcement, intelligence, and monitoring operations led by NAIMOS in the fight against illegal mining.
It will be recalled, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, some months ago revealed the staggering potential financial scope of the anti-galamsey effort.
According to the Lands Minister, a comprehensive fight against illegal mining could cost the nation an estimated $10 billion.
The Lands minister is quoted by 3 news to have said, “The fight against galmsey could cost $10 billion”.
NAIMOS was established to coordinate national efforts against illegal mining by integrating the work of security agencies, regulatory bodies, and local authorities.
