NAIMOS intervenes in violent clash, destroys equipment in Atiwa Forest Reserve
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat NAIMOS Special Task Force intervened in a violent confrontation involving suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve, Abuakwa South District, Eastern Region. The clash reportedly involved machetes and left one person seriously injured, who was subsequently taken for medical treatment. Following the incident, a reconnaissance patrol by the Task Force revealed extensive illegal mining along river systems within the reserve, causing significant environmental degradation. The terrain was noted as steep and difficult to access by conventional vehicles. Although no arrests were made during the patrol, the Task Force destroyed 15 makeshift structures and 11 water-pumping machines used in the illegal mining operations. Local sources suggest many illegal miners operate in the forest. NAIMOS has initiated further inquiries into both the illegal mining and the violent confrontation, and plans to intensify operations in the Atiwa Forest Reserve and surrounding areas to disrupt illegal mining, protect water bodies, and prevent further environmental degradation.
