The second day of NAIMOS’ intensified enforcement operation in the Eastern Region commenced at dawn on Friday, 5 December 2025, as officers advanced further into the Atiwa Forest to dismantle entrenched illegal mining activities.
From 7:00 a.m. until nightfall, the taskforce navigated the rugged terrain between Pimpong and Fante Ebuorho—two areas identified as major hubs for galamsey activities along the Ayensu River.
Upon entering the forest, officers were met with widespread environmental devastation. At Pimpong, extensive portions of land had been destroyed by deep mining pits created after months of persistent excavation. Miners had diverted the Ayensu River directly onto the mining site, allowing contaminated wastewater to flow back into the natural river system.
One of the most distressing findings was the presence of children aged 13 to 16 working alongside adults who fled upon the arrival of the security team. The minors were promptly removed and placed in safe custody, highlighting a serious human rights concern within the ongoing environmental violations.
To disrupt operations, NAIMOS disabled several excavators by removing essential control components. Fuel reserves and water-pumping machines were seized, while abandoned tools, clothing and makeshift shelters indicated that miners had been alerted ahead of the taskforce’s approach. Fresh tracks confirmed that some heavy machinery had been moved out only hours earlier, pointing to organized lookout systems that enable miners to escape arrest.
Conditions at Fante Ebuorho mirrored those at Pimpong. The Ayensu River had been diverted through an artificial channel to feed washing pits before returning to the main river heavily polluted. However, officers observed encouraging signs of recovery in sections where illegal mining had ceased for months, demonstrating that environmental restoration is achievable when enforcement is sustained.
Local residents welcomed the operation, expressing relief over the crackdown. They reported that pollution from illegal mining had long threatened farmland and drinking water sources, and noted recent improvements in water clarity.
The discovery of minors involved in the operations has renewed concerns about a growing trend of child labour in illegal mining. Officers cautioned that failure to address this issue could expose Ghana to international scrutiny and potential sanctions, similar to previous actions taken against the cocoa sector over child labour violations.
Despite difficult terrain, long travel distances, and limited communication capacity between patrol units, NAIMOS continued its mission with determination. Officers stressed the need for improved communication equipment in patrol vehicles to enhance coordination in remote forest areas.
Day Two concluded with NAIMOS maintaining firm control over key sections of the Atiwa Forest. The operation continues to dismantle illegal mining networks, weaken miner confidence, and reveal the full extent of environmental degradation and human exploitation occurring within the forest.
Source: Theghanareport
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