The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested two suspected illegal mining kingpins following a targeted raid on the Offin River in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, was carried out by a NAIMOS taskforce in the Atwima Mponua District after intelligence reports indicated active illegal mining activities at Akomfrem, a community along the river.
According to officials, the taskforce arrived at the site between 1:00 p.m. and 9:50 p.m., where they found several individuals mining directly in and around the Offin River.
Many of the miners fled upon spotting the approaching team, but two suspects a man and a woman were apprehended.
The suspects, identified as 36-year-old Comfort Abayie and 28-year-old Ayenga Abraham, reportedly claimed ownership of the illegal mining site but failed to provide any legal documentation authorizing their operations.
A search conducted at the scene led to the seizure of multiple items, including two vehicles and several mobile phones.
Authorities impounded a wine-coloured Honda CR-V with registration number DV 9678Y-2025, believed to belong to Abayie, along with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Another wine-coloured JMC pick-up truck with registration number DV 4168-2026, driven by Abraham, was also seized, together with three smartphones, an iPhone 16 Pro Max and an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Additionally, two sachets of suspected unrefined gold dust, believed to belong to Abraham, were retrieved from the site.
In line with efforts to curb illegal mining, the taskforce destroyed several pieces of equipment used in the operations.
These included six Changfan machines mounted directly on the river, a KOOP diesel welding machine, as well as multiple pipelines, water hoses, and makeshift structures.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Nyinahini District Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.
All seized items have been documented, with NAIMOS retaining custody for transfer to its headquarters.
NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance and responding swiftly to credible intelligence to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Secretariat also issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in such activities to stay away from water bodies and forest reserves or face legal consequences.
The agency further expressed appreciation to members of the public whose timely information continues to support ongoing operations.
By 1960news.com
