The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Special Task Force has intervened in a violent clash involving suspected illegal miners operating in the Atiwa Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region.

The incident occurred in the Abuakwa South District and reportedly involved the use of machetes, leaving one person seriously injured.

The Task Force stepped in before the confrontation could escalate further. The injured person was first taken to the Asiakwa Police Station and later referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Following the incident, the NAIMOS team conducted a reconnaissance patrol in the forest reserve to assess the extent of illegal mining and its impact on the environment.

The patrol found widespread illegal mining activities along river systems in the reserve, with several areas showing significant environmental degradation.

The team also encountered difficult terrain, including steep and rugged areas that could not easily be accessed by conventional vehicles. In many parts of the reserve, movement was possible mainly on foot, motorcycles and tricycles.

Although no arrests were made during the operation, the Task Force destroyed 15 makeshift structures and 11 water-pumping machines believed to have been used for illegal mining.

Information gathered from residents also indicated that a large number of illegal miners may still be operating within the reserve.

NAIMOS has since begun further investigations into the mining activities and the circumstances surrounding the violent clash.

The Secretariat said it would intensify operations in the Atiwa Forest Reserve and surrounding communities to disrupt illegal mining, protect water bodies and prevent further damage to the environment.

MLNR-PR UPDATES