Four Arrested for Armed Illegal Mining at Ankobra
On Wednesday afternoon, the usually tranquil banks of the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality became the scene of a dramatic confrontation. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force, on a routine patrol at around 3:25 p.m., stumbled upon what appeared to be an illegal mining site nestled within the dense Western Region forest. As the officers approached the site, they were met by four men brandishing machetes and pump-action guns. These armed suspects, later identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25, were allegedly acting as both security personnel and active participants in the illicit operation. Undeterred by the show of force, the NAIMOS task force moved in to make arrests. The confrontation quickly escalated as the suspects resisted, refusing to surrender peacefully. Instead, they attempted to obstruct the officers and disrupt the operation. Despite the resistance, the task force managed to disarm and subdue the four men, successfully apprehending them on the spot. Upon detaining the suspects, officers conducted a thorough search of the site. The haul included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, a water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to belong to excavators used in the illegal mining process. Two excavators were also found, but were immobilized by removing their control boards due to a lack of immediate transport. Interrogation revealed a startling claim: the suspects alleged they were operating under the orders of individuals known only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, said to be affiliated with National Security and hailing from Prestea. NAIMOS handed these names over to the police, where ongoing investigations are now underway. The environmental toll caused by the suspects was evident, with large swathes of land and forest destroyed and pollution seeping into the Ankobra River. After initial interrogation, the suspects and their belongings, including mobile phones and a talisman, were handed over to the Esiama District Police, where Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu received them for further investigation and possible prosecution. Despite increasing threats from armed criminal groups, NAIMOS reaffirmed its determination to persist with anti-illegal mining operations nationwide. The Secretariat cautioned illegal miners and armed groups against resistance, warning that reckless defiance would not deter the task force. NAIMOS also extended gratitude to the public, acknowledging the crucial role of community intelligence in the ongoing fight against illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Strikes Decisively at Dawusaso
The usually quiet community of Dawusaso in the Amansie South District was jolted into action. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), through its Manso Adubia task force, launched a decisive operation targeting illegal mining activities devastating the Offin River. The mission began shortly before noon, as credible intelligence reached the NAIMOS team about organized illegal mining in the area. With urgency and precision, the task force mobilized from their base in Manso Adubia, setting their sights on the banks of the Offin River where miners had reportedly diverted sections of the river into an artificial dam, a tactic threatening both the environment and the communities downstream. As the team arrived, they encountered a flurry of activity. Several individuals, including women, were found working frantically at the river, operating changfan machines that churned up the water and the riverbed. The sudden appearance of the task force sent the miners scattering into the surrounding bush, leaving their equipment behind. Despite most suspects fleeing, the task force apprehended one individual: Xiao Weixin, a 41-year-old Chinese national who had made Dawusaso his home. On him, the operatives found an Apsonic tricycle, two Gota radio sets, and a Huawei mobile phone, all secured as evidence. The destruction left behind by the illegal miners was evident. The Offin River, once a lifeline for the community, had been deliberately diverted, its flow manipulated to feed the miners’ artificial dam. This, authorities noted, posed a serious threat to the river’s ecological balance and the well-being of those who depend on its waters. Determined to put an end to the destruction, the task force set ablaze two changfan machines mounted directly on the river, rendering them inoperable. They also discovered three excavators, two Caterpillar and one Sany, abandoned at the site. The operators, in a bid to thwart seizure, had removed the machines’ monitors and keys, while the chassis numbers were so corroded they were unreadable. The story did not end there. On their way to the main site, the NAIMOS team intercepted another group of illegal miners near the Dawusaso road. Once again, the suspects fled into the bush, but the operatives managed to retrieve a drum of diesel left behind in the chaos. With Xiao Weixin in custody, the task force transported him to the NAIMOS Secretariat in Accra for further investigation. He will be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for the next phase of action. The Dawusaso operation is a stark reminder of NAIMO’s relentless commitment to protecting the Offin River. The Secretariat has assured the public that it will not relent in its efforts to restore the river’s integrity, vowing to intensify actions against destructive mining activities, particularly those that alter the natural course of the river. Through coordinated enforcement and swift action, NAIMOS continues its fight to preserve Ghana’s precious water bodies for generations to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Talensi Woman Alleges Soldier Brutality During Peaceful Protest at Cardinal Namdini Mine
The main road entrance of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited stood unusually crowded on Friday morning, but not with workers reporting for duty. Instead, a heavy contingent of police officers lined the road, their presence a clear signal that something was brewing in this quiet corner of Talensi in the Upper East Region of Ghana. And then they came, dozens of residents marching with determined steps and raised voices. Their chants echoed off the dusty road as they gathered before the mining company’s entrance, holding aloft placards that painted a picture of deep-seated grievance. The protest was peaceful but charged with years of frustration. According to several residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, the company that had promised jobs and development had instead delivered marginalization. “They treat us like strangers in our own land,” one elderly man said, his voice trembling. “We see the trucks hauling wealth away every day, but our children still have no clean water. Our farms are damaged. And when we ask for help, they look the other way.” The placards carried blunt, bitter messages that left no room for interpretation. “Stop discrimination against the locals,” one read. Another declared: “Stop dividing communities.” A third, held high by a middle-aged farmer, stated simply: “Talensi land full of gold, yet the people are poor.” Other signs bore even more desperate pleas: “Poor houses, no food,” “Proper farmer compensation now,” and “No employment, no Cardinal Namdini.” For hours, the demonstration remained a war of words and wills. The police maintained a visible but restrained presence, neither engaging the crowd nor retreating. But then, witnesses say, the atmosphere changed. According to multiple demonstrators who spoke to this reporter, the soldiers did not attempt to negotiate or disperse the crowd verbally. Instead, they moved directly toward the front lines of the protest, swinging batons and pushing people back. In the ensuing chaos, a woman – later identified as one of the key voices among the marchers – says she was beaten. “I was not holding any weapon. I was not shouting insults. I only demonstrated for the mining company unfair treatment against us,” she recounted, wincing as she lifted her sleeve to reveal dark purple marks on her dark skin. “The soldier looked at me, and he beat me like I was a criminal. For what? For asking that our own gold benefits our own children?” The alleged beating lasted only seconds, but its impact rippled through the gathering. Several other protesters rushed to the woman’s aid, and the soldiers eventually withdrew to the perimeter. The protest did not turn violent – remarkably, the marchers continued to chant but stepped back, creating a ring of space around the injured woman. Some offered water. Others photographed her injuries on their phones, vowing to send the images to human rights groups. The police later issued a brief statement saying they were “aware of an incident” but admonished the demonstrators to reorganize themselves and come back since there was an injunction for they not to demonstrate. Meanwhile, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited has not yet commented directly on the allegation of soldier brutality. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Ghana Chamber of Mines Warns: Could Ghana Lose Its Gold Crown?
Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, delivered a message that echoed through Ghana’s mining sector. “The reason why we became the number one mining destination in Africa is because of some of the decisions we took. Let’s not reverse them,” he cautioned, his words carrying the weight of decades of mining history. Ghana, long celebrated in history books as Africa’s leading gold producer, now finds itself at a crossroads. The Chamber’s warning comes amid growing concerns that policy shifts could erode the investor confidence that has long fueled the nation’s mining industry. Ashigbey’s caution follows a recent proposal by the Institute of Economic Affairs, which urged the government not to approve a 20-year lease extension for Gold Fields’s Tarkwa Mine. The Institute argues for greater state control and increased local participation in the sector. But Ashigbey’s message was clear: while reform is necessary, Ghana must not lose sight of the stability and predictability that has made it an investment magnet. The threat is not just from within. In neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, officials are rolling out ambitious strategies to transform their country into Africa’s next gold giant within the next decade. “Côte d’Ivoire has developed a long-term strategy aimed at becoming Africa’s leading gold producer,” Ashigbey explained. Both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire share similar geological riches, their gold deposits stretching across borders. But investors, he warned, can easily shift their attention, and their capital, to countries that offer more attractive and stable environments. Evidence of this shift is already visible. The Chamber has observed a movement of mining investments and Ghanaian entrepreneurs into Côte d’Ivoire, drawn by its evolving policies and investor-friendly climate. Ashigbey emphasized the need for Ghana to not just attract foreign investors but also retain its local talent and capital. “We need to make sure that we are attracting the investment capital but not only foreign, local investment capital as well. There are Ghanaians who now want to go and set up in Cote d’Ivoire,” he noted. As Ghana stands at this critical juncture, the story of its mining sector is being rewritten. The next chapters will depend on whether policymakers choose to safeguard the confidence of investors, both local and foreign, or risk losing the nation’s golden legacy to its ambitious neighbors. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey Urges NPA to Cut Off Fuel Supply to Illegal Miners
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has sounded the alarm, urging the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take immediate and decisive action to stem the flow of fuel to illegal mining operations across the country. In a petition dated Saturday, April 18, and addressed to the NPA’s Chief Executive, Edudzi Tamakloe, the coalition outlined a series of interventions it believes are crucial to disrupting what it describes as the primary driver of galamsey: the easy access to fuel. Among the coalition’s key proposals is a call for the NPA to conduct thorough, data-driven assessments of fuel distribution patterns, with special attention to filling stations in mining hotspots. The GCAG suggests analyzing stations that record unusually high sales volumes compared to the number of registered vehicles in their vicinity, as these may be indicators of fuel being diverted to illegal mining sites. The group further insists that the findings of such assessments should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability. The GCAG also recommends tough sanctions for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found complicit in fueling illegal mining. It proposes the withdrawal of licenses from these firms, a lifetime industry ban for their directors, and the referral of offenders to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution. Additionally, the coalition is advocating for the strict enforcement of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols. This would require fuel suppliers to verify the legitimacy of clients, especially those purchasing large quantities of diesel in bulk containers, a common practice among illegal miners. The group is also calling for closer collaboration between the NPA and security agencies to trace and intercept fuel consignments suspected of being destined for galamsey sites. Moreover, it stresses the need for more rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations, ensuring that those who facilitate illegal mining by supplying fuel are held accountable. GCAG maintains that restricting access to fuel is one of the most effective ways to tackle illegal mining and is pressing for swift, concrete action to protect Ghana’s environment from further degradation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The National Petroleum Authority Battles Exodus of Tanker Drivers to Illegal Mining
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has raised alarm over a troubling trend: fuel tanker drivers and their assistants are leaving the petroleum transportation sector in droves, lured by the promise of quick riches in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. This concern took center stage at a meeting with Parliament’s Energy Committee in Accra on Wednesday, April 22. Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, recounted how the industry is feeling the pinch. According to Mr. Tameklo, the relatively low income earned by tanker drivers and their assistants has become a driving force behind the shift. He explained that many drivers now struggle to keep their assistants, especially when their routes take them through mining communities. “Every time the tanker drivers come back, they have different mates,” he observed. “When they go to mining areas to deliver petroleum products, some assistants choose to stay behind, attracted by the higher and faster financial rewards of galamsey.” This exodus, Mr. Tameklo noted, is causing a significant shortage of skilled drivers in the downstream petroleum sector, hampering the safe and efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country. The loss of experienced personnel to alternative sources of income is disrupting operations and raising concerns about future industry stability. In response, the NPA is developing a new remuneration framework for tanker drivers. The initiative aims to standardize salaries and improve working conditions, making the profession more attractive and discouraging staff turnover. Mr. Tameklo expressed hope that these measures will help retain skilled workers and restore stability to the sector. As the NPA works on these interventions, it remains optimistic that better pay and improved conditions will keep drivers on the road, ensuring the safe delivery of petroleum products nationwide. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAiMOS Strikes Twice Along the Offin River, Netting 19 Arrests in 48 Hours
In two swift, intelligence-driven operations carried out within 48 hours of each other, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has sent a firm message to illegal miners along the Offin River: the crackdown is real, and it is closing in. The operations, executed by a NAiMOS taskforce stationed at Manso Adubia, targeted illegal mining hotspots at Droso and Eniamoah in the Amansie South enclave, areas authorities describe as among the most heavily exploited stretches of the river. When the dust settled, nineteen people were in custody, and dozens of pieces of equipment had been seized. On April 12, 2026, NAiMOS operatives moved on Droso, acting on intelligence gathered from local sources. What they found when they arrived confirmed the tip-offs: miners were actively working along the banks of the Offin River, machinery humming, the operation in full swing. The task force moved quickly. Nineteen suspects, men and women aged between 23 and 35, were arrested at the scene. Others, sensing the approach of security personnel, fled before they could be caught. The haul from the raid was telling: eight water-pumping machines, five motorbikes, an excavator monitor, and an excavator key were all recovered, painting a picture of a well-resourced and organised illegal mining operation. A day later, on April 13, the task force was back in the field. This time, the target was Eniamoah, near Ntoboroso, where fresh intelligence pointed to ongoing galamsey activity along the same river. When operatives arrived, the scale of what they encountered was striking — extensive illegal mining operations spread along the riverbanks. But word had apparently travelled fast. The miners abandoned the site and fled before they could be apprehended. They left behind, however, fifteen motorbikes — a detail that speaks volumes about the size and coordination of the network operating in the area. NAiMOS officials say the evidence uncovered at Eniamoah underscores just how much pressure the Offin River is under from illegal mining activity. With the operations concluded, NAiMOS is not standing down. The Secretariat has announced plans to deploy Blue Water Guards to intensify patrols across the Eniamoah and Ntoboroso areas, ensuring that those who fled cannot simply return once the immediate heat dies down. Officials also highlighted the role of inter-agency intelligence-sharing in making both operations possible, describing it as a model for how the fight against galamsey must be conducted, not reactively, but proactively, with information leading the way. NAiMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a sustained operational presence along the Offin River until illegal mining is completely eradicated from the area. The message from the Secretariat is unambiguous: the Offin River is no longer a haven for galamsey operators, and the operations of the past two days are proof that the authorities mean business. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Gold Gets a New Story: Naana Jane Launches Heritage Village to Champion Local Jewellery Industry
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stepped forward to officially launch the Heritage Village initiative, a bold platform dedicated to showcasing and promoting locally manufactured gold jewellery and breathing new life into Ghana’s value-added industry. The initiative, the brainchild of legal practitioner Gertrude Emefa Donkor under her brand Goldbod Jewellery, arrives at a time when conversations about Ghana’s economic future are louder than ever. At its core, Heritage Village is a call to action, a challenge to the nation to stop sending its gold away in its raw form and start telling a richer, more rewarding story with it. Speaking at the launch, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang made clear that the path to Ghana’s transformation runs directly through its ability to produce, not just extract. She underscored the critical importance of empowering local artisans, nurturing the country’s creative sector, and building industries that add value at home rather than abroad. For the Vice President, this is not a peripheral conversation; it is central to Ghana’s economic identity. She noted that the country’s future prosperity depends on its willingness to move beyond the mine and invest in innovation, craftsmanship, and production. The timing of the three-day event was no accident. Deliberately scheduled to coincide with Ghana Month, Heritage Village framed gold not merely as a commodity buried beneath the earth, but as a living symbol of national pride, cultural heritage, and untapped economic opportunity. It was a statement that Ghana’s gold belongs not just in the ground or in foreign markets, but in the hands of Ghanaian artisans and on the global stage as a finished, high-value product. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang took a moment to commend the organisers for their vision and courage, for contributing meaningfully to the national dialogue on industrial growth and for creating a platform where young entrepreneurs could find their footing, scale their businesses, and compete beyond Ghana’s borders. As the event drew attention from artisans, industry players, and policymakers alike, the Vice President expressed genuine optimism about what Heritage Village represents and what it could become. She envisioned it as a catalyst, an initiative capable of inspiring a new generation of innovators, uplifting local craftspeople, and playing a defining role in advancing Ghana’s industrialisation agenda. In launching Heritage Village, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang sent a clear and resonant message: Ghana’s gold is more than a resource; it is a legacy waiting to be shaped, polished, and proudly worn by the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Comply or Lose Your License”: Lands Minister Puts Mining Companies on Notice During Talensi Tour
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to mining companies operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, comply with environmental regulations or face license revocation. The warning came during a high-profile working tour of the region, where the minister met with traditional rulers, regional officials, and representatives of licensed mining companies to push for responsible mining practices and stronger benefits for local communities. The minister’s visit kicked off in Bolgatanga with a briefing at the Regional Coordinating Council, where Hon. Buah outlined the government’s priorities: formalizing small-scale mining, accelerating land title processing, and reinforcing environmental protection. He challenged Lands Commission staff to eliminate bureaucratic delays and improve record-keeping, ensuring that ordinary residents can secure their land rights without unnecessary hurdles. From Bolgatanga, the minister traveled to the Talensi District, where he first paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Nab Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, seeking his blessing before proceeding with the tour. This gesture underscored the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities. The royal welcome, however, came with an urgent plea. The paramount chief and his council raised serious concerns about the growing menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which they described as a “cancer” ravaging the district. According to the chief, the consequences are far-reaching: environmental disruption, health risks, economic losses, and deepening social conflict. “Its activities have severe consequences in environmental disruptions, health risks, economic losses, and social conflict,” the chief stated plainly. “We therefore seek effective action to eliminate or minimize the cancer from the area,” he added, calling on the minister to move beyond words and deliver decisive intervention. In response to the chiefs’ concerns, Hon. Buah announced plans to expand the Community Mining Scheme in the Talensi District, a government initiative designed to provide legal, well-regulated mining sites equipped with proper training so that miners can operate safely and sustainably. He assured the traditional authorities of strong, ongoing collaboration between his ministry and local leadership to safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods of residents. The minister’s tour then took him to two of the district’s major licensed gold mining operations, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) and Earl International Group Ghana. At each site, Hon. Buah conducted on-the-ground inspections of operational areas, environmental safeguards, and worker safety measures. His message to both companies was unambiguous: compliance is not optional. He reminded the companies that the government holds the power to revoke mining licenses, and he was not shy about invoking it. “If any company fails to comply with the regulations on environmental grounds, their licenses will be revoked,” the minister declared. Both companies’ management teams responded by presenting their reclamation plans, community development projects, and environmental sustainability commitments, pledging to work closely with the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant stakeholders to uphold the highest standards. Wrapping up the tour, Minister Buah expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region for their cooperation and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to partnering with communities and mining firms alike, striking the delicate balance between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Regional officials welcomed the visit, noting that it would help align local actions with national policy and bring renewed momentum to responsible mining governance in the area. The minister’s tour sends a clear signal: in Ghana’s push to grow its mining sector, environmental accountability is no longer negotiable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Slips in Global Mining Investment Rankings Amid Rising African Competition
Ghana’s standing as a premier mining investment destination has taken a hit, according to the latest findings from the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Once a top contender in Africa’s resource sector, Ghana has now slipped seven places in the global Investment Attractiveness Index (IAI), falling to 53rd out of 68 jurisdictions, down from 46th last year. The country’s score declined to 55.21 from 56.98, reflecting mounting competitive pressure across the continent. Within Africa, Ghana now trails behind countries such as Botswana and Morocco, settling into the middle tier of the continent’s mining investment landscape. While the country still boasts significant mineral wealth, the new ranking signals a need to address the factors holding back investor confidence. The IAI blends mineral potential with policy perception, with geology accounting for 60 percent and policy factors for 40 percent of the overall score. The report points to regulatory uncertainty, tax concerns, infrastructure deficiencies, and land access issues as potential reasons for Ghana’s slide in the rankings. These challenges appear to be dampening investor enthusiasm, despite Ghana’s strong geological profile. Further reinforcing this trend, Ghana ranked 50th globally on the Policy Perception Index, earning a score of 53.65, indicative of moderate but not leading policy competitiveness. The survey, conducted between August and November 2025, gathered insights from 256 mining executives representing companies with a collective exploration budget exceeding US$4.2 billion. As Ghana navigates increased competition from its African peers, the latest rankings serve as a call to action for policymakers to boost the country’s appeal to global investors and reclaim its status as a mining powerhouse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com