The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 13 suspected illegal miners during a raid on a large illegal mining site at Subin Akwaaboso in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.
According to MyJoyOnline, the task force found several Chanfang machines mounted and deployed on the Offin River for mining. The raid formed part of the fourth day of NAIMOS' ongoing anti-galamsey crackdown.
The regional team was joined by the Director of Operations, Col. Kwame Sam Appiah, and a team from the Secretariat's headquarters.
Footage from the operation showed some residents reportedly mobilising in large numbers on motorcycles and armed with weapons, in what appeared to be an attempt to resist the operation. Gunshots were heard during the confrontation.
Col. Appiah told the press that the task force used specific strategies to contain the situation after some miners allegedly attempted to retaliate with firearms.
Chale News, citing MyJoyOnline, reported that NAIMOS had not said whether any officers or residents were injured. The operation follows three days of anti-illegal mining activity in the Western North Region.
No charges against the 13 suspects were reported. They remain presumed innocent.