Anti-Galamsey Taskforce Raids Offin Shelter Belt: 12 Excavators Seized, Illegal Mining Camp Destroyed
Ghana’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce seizes 12 excavators, arrests 5 suspects, and burns illegal mining camp in Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, Nkawie Forest District.
Isaac Mintah 
A joint Anti-Galamsey Taskforce comprising the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Forestry Commission, and the National Security Secretariat has dismantled an illegal mining syndicate deep inside the Offin Shelter Belt Reserve, within the Nkawie Forest District.
The 3-day operation, which began at 4:00 AM on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, culminated in the seizure of 12 excavators, the arrest of five suspects, and the confiscation of two pump-action guns. The operation was part of the government’s renewed clampdown on galamsey (illegal mining) under the leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Operation Highlights:
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12 Excavators Seized
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2 Motorcycles Confiscated
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2 Pump-Action Shotguns Recovered
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5 Suspects Arrested, including a Chinese national
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Illegal miners’ camp burned to the ground
Upon arriving at the scene with reinforcement from Accra, the Taskforce encountered fleeing illegal miners who abandoned their equipment in panic. The military wing of the operation set fire to the mining camp, serving a stern warning to those destroying Ghana's environment for profit.
Arrested Individuals:
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Simon Mensah
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Edward Addo
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Aboagye Foster
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Amoah Justice
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(Chinese national – name withheld)
Additionally, identity documents belonging to Ayogsum Agnes and Jonathan Asigre were found on-site. All suspects have since been handed over to the Nkawie District Police, and the excavators were securely relocated to the 4th Infantry Battalion Barracks.
Government's Unyielding Stand
Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has reiterated that no individual—local or foreign—will be spared in the national campaign against illegal mining. He emphasized that protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies is non-negotiable.
"This operation proves our seriousness. We are working closely across agencies to reclaim and protect our natural resources for future generations," said the Minister.
This successful raid follows a series of intensified operations, reflecting multi-agency collaboration and high-level political will to end the galamsey menace once and for all.
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