Also known as: NAMOS
Government agency conducting enforcement operations against illegal mining nationwide, working with security forces to disrupt galamsey activities.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat
Every mention in the Ghanaian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
Joy Online
Northern Ashanti Mines Limited Company (NAMLC) has alleged that officials of the Minerals Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) attempted to hand over its mining concession at Konongo to some Chinese nationals following an operation at th …
Chinese nationals introduced to our concession after NAIMOS takeover – Northern Ashanti MinesJoy Online
Northern Ashanti Mines Limited Company (NAMLC) has warned the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) against accessing its server room or disconnecting CCTV cameras at its Konongo mining site, threatening legal action against anyone who interferes with the s …
Northern Ashanti Mines warns NAIMOS against disconnecting CCTV cameras at Konongo mineJoy Online
The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. …
NAIMOS, Amenfi West MP agree to strengthen collaboration against illegal miningJoy Online
… According to him, the government’s response has not been sufficiently different or forceful to match the scale of environmental destruction, despite some progress made by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). …
Mahama gov’t repeating Akufo-Addo-era mistakes in galamsey fight – Erastus Asare DonkorJoy Online
JoyNews Environmental Journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor, says the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is making commendable efforts in the fight against illegal mining but believes more commitment from local government officials is needed to end the menace …
NAIMOS doing its best in galamsey fight, but MMDCEs must step up – Erastus Asare DonkorJoy Online
The Executive Director of EcoConscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has raised concerns about the operational capacity of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), questioning whether it has the necessary equipment and logistical support to effectively combat i …
NAIMOS not adequately equipped to fight galamsey – Awula SerwahJoy Online
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says the number of changfan machines operating on the River Tano has reduced significantly following sustained enforcement under its Operation Water Shield campaign against illegal mining. …
Changfans on River Tano have reduced thanks to NAIMOS – NAIMOS SpokespersonJoy Online
… A recent visit by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce has also exposed the persistence of illegal mining on the river, despite repeated enforcement operations and the Secretariat’s presence in the area. …
Jema-Asemkrom residents allege threats over efforts to expose illegal miningJoy Online
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Western and Eastern Regions, targeting activities in forest reserves, farming areas and along critical water bodies. …
NAIMOS intensifies operations against illegal mining in Western and Eastern RegionsThe Chronicle
… Mr Armah-Kofi Buah made the disclosure while addressing journalists after participating in an anti-illegal mining operation in the Atewa Forest with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the military (NAIMOS). …
Armah Buah: Gov’t Will Go After Chiefs, MMDCEs Aiding GalamseyThe National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron immobilised equipment allegedly used for illegal mining on River Offin in the Upper Denkyira West District, Central Region. The operation encountered armed resistance from suspected illegal miners who gathered with pump-action guns but later dispersed.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron immobilised equipment allegedly used for illegal mining on River Offin in the Upper Denkyira West District, Central Region. The operation encountered armed resistance from suspected illegal miners who gathered with pump-action guns but later dispersed.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →
Northern Ashanti Mines Limited's lawyers have warned NAIMOS against attempting to access the company's server room to disconnect CCTV cameras at its Konongo site, arguing that disabling surveillance systems could compromise evidence needed in ongoing court proceedings. The warning follows NAIMOS's alleged invasion of the mining concessions on October 22, 2026, and comes after CCTV footage was publicly broadcast showing what NAMLC claims are efforts to transfer mining concessions to Chinese nationals.
3 November 2026 · Daily Guide →
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister has announced government plans to decentralise the mining licensing process to district and community levels, establish district mining committees, and introduce medium-scale mining opportunities while tightening exploration licence conditions to five years maximum. The reforms aim to strengthen community participation, address illegal small-scale mining, and improve coordination between operators and local communities.
3 November 2026 · The Chronicle →
One suspected illegal miner was killed and another injured when suspected illegal miners opened fire on Operation GREEN SHIELD operatives in the Atiwa Forest Reserve on November 2. Four suspects—three Malian nationals and a Ghanaian—were arrested, and two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were seized during the encounter.
3 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The government has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to take a more active role in combating illegal small-scale mining, warning that destruction of water bodies, forest reserves and natural resources requires coordinated action across all governance levels. The maiden National Conference of MMDCEs on Illegal Small-Scale Mining was held in Kumasi, bringing together local government leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the fight against illegal mining through improved coordination between district assemblies, regulatory institutions and security agencies.
2 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat arrested suspected illegal miners at Subin Akwaboaso in the Central Region following an enforcement operation on November 1, during which personnel encountered armed resistance from individuals wielding cutlasses and firearms.
2 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), supported by the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron, has launched Operation 'Water Shield' to remove chanfang machines and disrupt illegal mining on the River Offin. During riverine patrols, the task force raided six illegal mining sites, destroyed four floating platforms, and observed approximately 45 additional abandoned platforms, suggesting illegal miners are withdrawing equipment ahead of sustained security operations.
2 November 2026 · Daily Guide →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has warned that individuals who obstruct its enforcement activities or attack its personnel will be referred to the appropriate authorities. The warning follows an operation at Subin Akwaaboso in the Central Region on Sunday, November 1, during which NAIMOS personnel and members of the Special Boat Squadron encountered considerable resistance from a group wielding cutlasses, firearms and other offensive weapons, resulting in the arrest of some suspected illegal miners.
2 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The Sand and Stone Contractors Association of Ghana has petitioned state authorities, including the Minerals Commission and regional officials, for clarification on regulatory procedures, enforcement operations, documentation requirements and fines affecting sand-winning and transportation activities at Dawa and neighbouring communities.
1 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat raided an illegal mining site at Subin Akwaaboso in Upper Denkyira West District, arresting 13 illegal miners and uncovering Chanfang machines deployed on the Offin River. The operation, which involved gunshots and resistance from residents, is part of NAIMOS' ongoing anti-galamsey crackdown across multiple regions.
1 November 2026 · Joy Online →
Northern Ashanti Mines Limited Company has alleged that officials of the Minerals Commission and NAIMOS attempted to hand over its mining concession at Konongo to Chinese nationals following an operation at the site, with CCTV footage reportedly capturing the presence of the Chinese nationals and recorded conversations shown on national television.
1 November 2026 · Joy Online →
Northern Ashanti Mines Limited has warned the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat against accessing its server room or disconnecting CCTV cameras at its Konongo mining site, stating the surveillance recordings are relevant to an ongoing legal dispute over its mining concessions.
1 November 2026 · Joy Online →
The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat held discussions with the Member of Parliament for Amenfi West on strengthening stakeholder collaboration against illegal mining, focusing on environmental, security and socio-economic impacts in the region. NAIMOS outlined a strategy moving from temporary enforcement raids towards sustained operations supported by enhanced riverine collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
1 November 2026 · Joy Online →
Erastus Asare Donkor, investigative journalist at Multimedia Group, says the John Mahama administration is repeating many approaches used by the previous Akufo-Addo government in fighting illegal mining, with government action not matching its public statements despite some progress from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
31 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Environmental journalist Erastus Asare Donkor says the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat is making commendable efforts against illegal mining, but Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives must demonstrate greater commitment to address the menace effectively in their jurisdictions.
31 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The Executive Director of EcoConscious Citizens has raised concerns that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and other anti-galamsey task forces lack adequate equipment and logistical support to effectively fight illegal mining, noting that forestry guards lack bulletproof vests despite threats from armed illegal miners.
31 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat says the number of changfan machines operating on River Tano has reduced significantly following its Operation Water Shield campaign against illegal mining. NAIMOS cautioned that the reduction in equipment does not mean the river has already been restored to its original condition, and stated it would maintain surveillance on the Tano and other critical water sources.
30 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Residents of Jema-Asemkrom report intimidation and death threats from traditional leaders and community members allegedly involved in illegal mining on the Tano River, while NAIMOS taskforce operations continue to encounter the activity despite repeated enforcement efforts.
30 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat intensified enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Western and Eastern Regions on October 29, resulting in the arrest of 11 suspected illegal miners and the destruction of significant mining infrastructure including chanfang machines, water pumps, and excavators across forest reserves and farming areas.
30 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the government is pursuing legislation to hold traditional authorities and MMDCEs accountable for their roles in combating illegal mining. The proposed legislation, laid before Parliament, aims to strengthen accountability at the local level and prevent local leaders and officials from shirking their responsibilities against galamsey.
30 October 2026 · The Chronicle →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat plans to target individuals and businesses manufacturing or selling equipment used in illegal mining in Aowin and Enchi, Western North Region, as part of efforts to curb galamsey and environmental destruction in areas with gold deposits and major water bodies.
29 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat arrested six suspected illegal miners at Wakawaka in Bole District after they returned to a previously cleared site to resume mining activities. The joint operation with the Ghana Armed Forces from October 26–28 resulted in the seizure of equipment and the destruction of seven air compressors and 58 makeshift structures.
29 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has begun community engagements in galamsey-prone areas to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, build public confidence, improve intelligence sharing and encourage collective responsibility in combating illegal mining.
29 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The Forestry Commission plans to establish armed security camps at illegal mining hotspots in the Subri River Forest Reserve in the Western Region to prevent miners from returning to cleared areas. The strategy will combine armed rapid-response teams of about 13 officers, surveillance technology including CCTV and Starlink connectivity, and stronger collaboration among state security agencies.
28 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat has launched Operation Green Shield, a military-backed operation in the Atewa Forest Reserve that resulted in three arrests on October 27, 2026. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources warned that illegal mining has affected 44 of Ghana's 288 forest reserves, destroying approximately 8,900 hectares of forest land.
27 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Awula Serwah, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, has urged President Mahama to publicly reaffirm legal mining requirements, warning that recent comments by Ghana Gold Board CEO risk signalling to small-scale miners that they can operate without proper licensing. She cautioned that such signals could undermine anti-illegal mining efforts and stressed that mining licences are essential alongside other regulatory approvals to prevent pollution and environmental destruction.
27 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has expanded enforcement beyond mining sites to target suppliers of illegal mining equipment. During an Eshaem operation in the Western Region, the Task Force destroyed 28 chanfang machines, 19 water pumps, and five structures at illegal mining sites, and seized a truck carrying 22 brand-new Chanfang machines being delivered to a store.
26 October 2026 · Joy Online →
An opinion piece in Daily Guide argues that the Ghana Gold Board CEO's approval for unlicensed illegal miners to operate represents a government policy shift, delivered unconventionally to avoid public backlash, and contradicts the NDC's anti-galamsey campaign promises.
26 October 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana's parliamentary Minority has called for the resignation or dismissal of Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi over comments it says endorse illegal mining, though GoldBod claims a video circulating on social media was selectively edited and misrepresented remarks made during an engagement with artisanal and small-scale miners in March 2026.
26 October 2026 · The Chronicle →
The Ghana Gold Board dismissed a viral video as selectively edited, clarifying that its CEO's remarks on transitioning informal miners into formal operations do not constitute endorsement of illegal mining. The Board stated that government policy aims to end illegality by formalising eligible operators through licensing, regulation, and accountability.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →