Gun-wielding illegal miners open fire on NAIMOS taskforce during Offin River operation

Illegal miners operating along the Offin River in the Upper Denkyira West District have opened fire on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

This was during a special enforcement operation, following the arrest of 13 suspects and the destruction of their mining equipment.

The operation was launched to clamp down on illegal mining activities that have taken over sections of the Offin River, resulting in severe pollution and environmental degradation.

During the exercise, NAIMOS personnel, including military officers, had to swim and wade through the muddy river after making some arrests.

However, the operation took a dangerous turn when some residents of Subin Akwaaboso mobilised on motorbikes, wielding firearms and firing shots at the NAIMOS team in an attempt to resist the operation.

The Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Kwame Sam Appiah, reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to carrying out its mandate with professionalism and firmness, stressing that the protection of the country’s natural resources remains a priority.

He further recounted the challenges encountered during similar enforcement operations in the Western North Region and urged illegal miners to abandon the destructive practice and allow efforts to restore the environment to succeed.