1,900 suspected illegal miners arrested in NAIMOS crackdown – Paa Kwesi Schandorf reveals

Media Relations Officer at the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry and NAIMOS spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has revealed that over 1,900 illegal miners have been arrested so far from their crack down in the various regions.

The arrests were made in six out of the 16 regions, identified as major flashpoints for illegal mining.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, March 20,2026, he said the arrest were made across the Ashanti, Western, Western North, Central, Eastern, and parts of the northern enclaves, noting that the Ashanti Region remains the epicentre of the galamsey menace, largely due to its rich mineral deposits, which continue to attract illegal miners in large numbers.

Illegal miners setting traps for NAIMOS personnel – Lands Ministry reveals

“We can say that well over 1,900 suspected illegal miners have been arrested and that has been across the relevant flashpoints,” he said.

Schandorf, however, stated that the fight against illegal mining has not been without challenges, noting that financial constraints are a major obstacle affecting the effectiveness and sustainability of operations.

“It has not been easy. To be very honest, NAIMOS has also been financially challenged in terms of its operations,” he stated.

SO/VPO

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