NAIMOS arrests suspects in Greater Accra illegal sand-winning crackdown

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested suspects and impounded trucks during an enforcement operation against suspected illegal sand-winning in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

The operation on Thursday, 5 November 2026, was led by NAIMOS Director of Operations Colonel K. S. Appiah and covered Asutsuare in the Shai-Osudoku District, Volivo and parts of the Afienya enclave. Four people were arrested for suspected illegal sand-winning and three trucks believed used in the activity were impounded and handed to the police. Some foreign nationals at Asutsuare were also questioned.

Separately,, reported that NAIMOS officers at an Aveyime sand-winning site arrested three Chinese nationals who could not produce residency permits or other documentation, together with a Ghanaian man alleged to have worked as a foreman or translator. Colonel Kwame Sam Appiah said the foreign nationals would be taken to Sege Police Station and then to the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra for processing.

NAIMOS said it also engaged residents about environmental damage from illegal sand extraction and held talks with the Afienya District Police Commander. The suspects remain alleged offenders pending investigation and any charges.

Update, 6 November 2026:, reported that NAIMOS spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf said the Secretariat would work with the sector ministry to revise measures against illegal sand-winning after the Greater Accra operation. Sege District Police Headquarters Commander Daniel Dan Yaro also called for closer collaboration between the Minerals Commission and security agencies during enforcement.