In a decisive operation to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has conducted a successful security swoop in the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, resulting in the arrest of several illegal miners and the destruction of mining equipment and narcotic substances. The operation, carried out in collaboration with security agencies and forestry officials, is part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to threaten the nation’s water bodies, forests, and biodiversity. Security personnel moved swiftly to apprehend multiple suspects at various illegal mining sites hidden deep within the forest enclave. Officers also dismantled and destroyed a range of mining equipment, including changfang machines, water pumps, and excavators, to disrupt the illicit operations. In addition to the arrests and equipment destruction, a quantity of suspected narcotic substances was seized and destroyed on-site, highlighting the connection between illegal mining and other criminal activities. NAiMOS officials revealed that the coordinated operation was prompted by intelligence reports about a resurgence of illegal mining in the Cape Three Points area — a vital ecological zone renowned for its biodiversity and climate protection role. Following the raid, a NAiMOS spokesperson reaffirmed the Secretariat’s dedication to keeping Ghana’s protected areas free from environmental harm. He warned that the crackdown would be sustained and expanded to other hotspots, underlining a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal miners and their backers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on “Gangway,” a notorious stronghold for illegal mining and criminal activity in Aboso, located within the Prestea-Huni Valley District of Ghana’s Western Region. In the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2025, a heavily armed NAiMOS Task Force stormed the enclave, tearing down makeshift shanties that had long served as safe havens for illegal miners, drug dealers, and gamblers. The coordinated raid sent thick plumes of smoke into the dawn sky as wooden structures and mining equipment were set ablaze. The shock of the operation rippled through the area, prompting many residents—allegedly involved in galamsey and other illicit trades—to surrender peacefully to authorities. Dozens reportedly handed themselves over without resistance. During the raid, operatives seized several parcels of hard drugs, including 11 wraps of Indian hemp, exposing the deep-rooted links between illegal mining and narcotics trafficking in the community’s underground economy. This decisive action follows an earlier warning in June 2025, when NAiMOS operatives cautioned illegal miners and criminal gangs to vacate the area. Despite repeated appeals from traditional authorities, including the Chiefs of Aboso, unlawful activities persisted, prompting this latest intervention. The crackdown didn’t end in Aboso. NAiMOS teams also extended their reach to the Dadwen-Dompim stretch in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, where they seized or destroyed 15 water-pumping machines, a generator, and three Chanfangs used for illegal mining. Several unauthorized mining structures were also demolished. Officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources stated that this operation is part of the government’s intensified campaign to eradicate galamsey, reclaim degraded lands, and restore law and order across the Western Region. The successful raid stands as a powerful reaffirmation of NAiMOS’s resolve to dismantle illegal mining networks, disrupt criminal economies, and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, has reiterated his call for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining—known locally as galamsey—but says President John Mahama’s current interventions also warrant national support. Speaking to the media, September 30, 2025, Prof. Gyampo described the government’s ongoing efforts as appropriate, if not yet sufficient. “These initiatives may not be enough. Galamsey is still going on. People, including myself, are still calling for radical interventions. I still stand by my call for a state of emergency. But there is also wisdom in what the President is saying, which is giving him time to implement these interventions, and if they fail, he will resort to a state of emergency as a last option. So, I think we must all be seen to be supporting the fight against galamsey,” he said. Prof. Gyampo also revealed that Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, will be revoked when Parliament reconvenes. He welcomed the move, crediting it as proof of President Mahama’s responsiveness to public feedback. “I am happy that the President listens. In the lead-up to the elections in 2024, he promised that the law that encourages people to enter the forest to mine would be repealed. When they came to power, they said they could only take away the bad provisions. But we all said no, the repeal was a promise, so they should repeal it completely. After mounting pressure, today we are told that when Parliament resumes, the law will be repealed. That shows that the President listens,” he added. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Global gold prices have soared to an unprecedented $3,825 an ounce, setting a new all-time high. The Spectator Index, reporting on X (formerly Twitter) on September 29, 2025, attributed the surge to a spike in demand for safe-haven assets as investors seek refuge from mounting economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The dramatic increase in gold prices reflects renewed investor confidence in the precious metal as a dependable store of value during turbulent times in global financial markets. Traders around the world are now closely monitoring whether gold will sustain its upward momentum in the days ahead. For context, gold was trading at $1,660 an ounce just three years ago, highlighting the extraordinary rise to its current level of $3,825. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Administrator of Stool Lands, Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, has cautioned against declaring a state of emergency as a solution to illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, arguing that such a measure would not provide a lasting solution. “Declaring a state of emergency won’t remove illegal mining permanently. It won’t address the negative impact such as the destruction of our rivers and forests,” Akwensivie told journalists on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Valuation and Estate Surveyors Annual Conference in Akosombo, Eastern Region. Akwensivie advocated for a focus on sustained public education, particularly within mining communities—instead of relying on emergency powers. He stressed the importance of involving chiefs, traditional leaders, landowners, and local citizens in educational initiatives about responsible mining, while ensuring that law enforcement adheres to approved mining regulations. He warned that imposing a state of emergency could have far-reaching negative effects, especially on the business environment and commercial activities. “For example, it will affect the mobilisation of stool land revenue by my officers due to restrictions on the free movement of people,” Akwensivie explained. The Administrator also cautioned that such measures could disproportionately harm vulnerable and marginalised groups, destabilising the economy. “A state of emergency is a short-term proposal that won’t address the root cause of the problem,” he added. As a human rights lawyer, Akwensivie raised concerns that emergency powers could unduly restrict civil liberties and risk abuse by security agencies. “We’ve seen what happens in other places. Vague provisions in emergency laws can be exploited, leading to actions by law enforcement that may be difficult to justify and prone to abuse,” he said. Beyond education, Akwensivie called for the recruitment and deployment of more ‘blue water guards’ to sensitise mining community residents on responsible mining practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Tragedy struck in Twifo-Mampong, located in the Twifo Atti-Mokwa District of the Central Region, after three people lost their lives and four others were rescued from an abandoned mining pit. The incident occurred when the victims, mostly young men, reportedly entered the dormant site, which has been inactive for nearly five years since a Chinese mining company ceased operations there. District Chief Executive (DCE) Isaac Yawson confirmed the details during an interview on Accra based, September 26, 2025. According to Mr. Yawson, the bodies of the deceased have been sent to the Twifo Praso morgue for autopsy and further investigation. While the victims’ identities have not been officially released, they are believed to be natives of Mampong. The tragedy reportedly occurred on a Wednesday—a day considered sacred in the area, during which activities like farming and mining are traditionally forbidden. Preliminary investigations revealed that many young people in the community have been engaging in illegal night-time mining at the abandoned site. Mr. Yawson added that local traditional authorities are taking a tough stance on the issue. “The chief has assured me that anyone caught engaging in such activities at night will be arrested,” he stated. Source: Apexnewsgh.com