A team from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has survived an armed ambush after suspected illegal miners opened fire during an operation at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality.
The incident occurred on April 28, 2026, when the taskforce encountered miners operating illegally within a plantation owned by Ghana Rubber Estates Limited. The attackers reportedly fired multiple rounds at a NAIMOS vehicle, forcing personnel to withdraw tactically. No casualties were recorded.
Following the attack, intelligence-led operations were launched to identify the perpetrators and recover weapons. A coordinated dawn raid on Thursday at Adiewoso and nearby communities resulted in the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners.
During the operation, officers recovered a pump-action firearm and seized more than GH₵226,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal mining. In total, 114 individuals were initially detained for screening at the Adiewoso Community Centre, with 49 confirmed as suspects after verification.
Among those arrested were three foreign nationals—Abdul Karim from Niger, and Nash Ishaku and Eliyasu Sie from Burkina Faso.
Additional searches uncovered GH₵140,000 in a vehicle linked to Daniel Avoka, as well as GH₵86,710 and suspected gold substances in another vehicle belonging to Ebenezer Cobbinah, who has been arrested and is assisting investigations. Substances suspected to be cannabis and cartons of cigarettes were also seized.
A joint team involving GREL management and the Ghana Police Service supported the operation, helping to separate legitimate workers from suspects. Eight GREL workers and 12 students were among those cleared and released.
The 49 suspects have been handed over to the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigation.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting lawful concessions, livelihoods, and environmental resources.
