The Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo Hosi, has called on the government to disclose the identities and whereabouts of the key figures behind illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue with Selorm Adonoo on Saturday, October 25, Mr. Hosi questioned the government’s commitment to fighting the menace, saying the public deserves to know who the real perpetrators are.
“I want to call on the government to please tell us where the kingpins of galamsey are. Please, the galamsey kingpins, where are they? I don’t think Nana Konadu [late former First Lady] would want us to have a life without galamsey kingpins caught. We must remind the government that we’re still waiting for the kingpins,” Senyo Hosi said.
Mr. Hosi’s comments come amid renewed national debate over the effectiveness of the fight against illegal mining and the perceived lack of accountability in prosecuting influential individuals allegedly behind the practice.
Meanwhile, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 10 heavily armed Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, at Abusa in the Ashanti Region.
This comes after the Secretariat in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) dismantled a major illegal mining network operating within the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted on October 23, 2025, led to the arrest of several illegal miners and nine armed impostors posing as National Security operatives.
According to NAIMOS, the impostors were apprehended in khaki uniforms and claimed to be acting under the command of a “Major Jabari.” A search on them uncovered a pistol with three rounds of ammunition, a toy pistol, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, and handcuffs — all seized as exhibits.
During the exercise, NAIMOS operatives also intercepted individuals who attempted to bribe officers with GH₵120,000 for the release of arrested miners. The suspects were immediately detained for attempting to bribe law enforcement officers.
The task force later discovered that illegal miners had established a settlement deep within the forest, with wooden structures and tents serving as operational bases. The structures and equipment were destroyed to prevent reoccupation.
…
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital