Massive Reactions As NAIMOS Task Force Handles Suspected Illegal Miners Roughly at Wassa Esaman

A video of an anti-galamsey operation at Wassa Esaman has triggered strong reactions on social media. The footage, first aired by GBC News and shared by GTV Ghana on Monday October 19, 2026, shows suspected illegal miners facing physical force during an enforcement action.

In the video, armed personnel in military-style uniforms and rubber boots are seen on a dusty road in a forest area. Some of them restrain a number of men on the ground, while others stand guard near parked vehicles. The scene has sparked a heated debate among Ghanaians.

Many commenters praised the operation. One user said the action would help stop galamsey across the country and bring back the nation’s polluted water bodies. Others described the exercise as “good work” and “good action.” Another user questioned what the police in the area had been doing about illegal mining over the years.

However, some Ghanaians raised concerns about the methods used. One commenter asked whether the burning of equipment was necessary. Another suggested that the state should confiscate the seized assets and put them to better use instead of destroying them.

There was also strong scepticism about the outcome of the operation. Some users predicted that the suspects would be released after a short time, claiming that influential people behind the illegal trade would escape justice. Others made political comments, with a few alleging that the suspects were linked to a political party. These claims have not been verified.

One commenter, who said he recently travelled through Yamoransa, Asankragua and Yawmatwa, argued that the galamsey fight cannot be won. According to him, the priority should be to stop it from spreading to other regions.

Meanwhile, others expressed sympathy over the country’s situation, saying that being a Ghanaian is not easy.

Illegal mining has destroyed many rivers, farmlands and forests in Ghana. Several enforcement operations have been carried out in the past, but the menace continues in many communities. The latest video has once again brought the issue to the front of public discussion.

As the conversation continues, many Ghanaians are calling on authorities to be firm, fair and consistent in the fight against galamsey. They also want the rule of law to be respected during every operation.

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