A National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce has survived an armed ambush after illegal miners opened fire during an operation at Adiewoso in the Ahanta West Municipality.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, when suspected illegal miners engaged in unlawful activities within the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited plantation reportedly attacked a NAIMOS operations team stationed in Nzema East. The attackers fired multiple rounds from pump-action weapons at a Zonda pickup vehicle, forcing the taskforce to retreat without casualties.

Following the attack, NAIMOS initiated intelligence-led operations to identify the perpetrators and track down weapons used in the assault. Acting on credible information, a coordinated dawn raid was carried out on Thursday at Adiewoso and surrounding communities.

The operation led to the arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners and the seizure of a pump-action firearm, along with over GH₵226,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal mining activities.

In total, 114 individuals were initially picked up at the Adiewoso Community Centre for screening. After verification, 49 were confirmed as directly involved in illegal mining within the plantation. Eight individuals were identified as casual GREL workers, 12 as senior high school students, while others were classified as artisans and residents not linked to mining activities. Three foreign nationals, Abdul Karim of Niger, Nash Ishaku, and Eliyasu Sie from Burkina Faso, were also among those detained.

Further searches uncovered additional cash and suspected illicit materials. GH₵140,000 was found in a Toyota Raize belonging to one suspect, while GH₵86,710 and two containers of suspected gold-like substances were retrieved from a Toyota Hilux. The vehicle’s owner, Ebenezer Cobbinah, has been arrested and is assisting investigations.

Other items seized included substances suspected to be Indian hemp and cartons of cigarettes believed to be associated with the illegal mining operations.

A joint team made up of GREL management and officers from the Agona Ahanta Police Command supported the exercise, helping to distinguish legitimate workers from suspects. Verified employees were released, while the 49 suspects remain in police custody at the Agona Divisional Police Command for further investigation.

NAIMOS said the operation highlights its continued commitment to combating illegal mining activities, particularly those threatening concession areas, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.