The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested a chief in the Eastern Region for allegedly interfering with the arrest of a prominent illegal mining kingpin.
Nana Ogyeahohuo Barima Anum, who claims to be the Chief of Dokokyina, was apprehended on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at around 4:30 p.m., during an operation in a grey Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number GT 870-14, trailing the NAIMOS team.
The vehicle was subsequently seized, and the chief was handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further action.
The operation also uncovered additional details about Asenso Kwabena’s activities.
The suspect arrived at the site armed with a pistol and attempted to bribe the NAIMOS team with GH¢100,000 to secure his release.
The taskforce rejected the bribe, seized the cash along with galamsey equipment, and shut down the illegal mining site, which was reportedly polluting the Ayensu River.
This incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the fight against illegal mining, following a violent mob attack on NAIMOS personnel in Hwidiem, Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
During a reconnaissance operation near Bronikrom, the NAIMOS Director of Operations and his team were confronted by a group of suspected illegal miners, leading to the unlawful release of arrested suspects and a chase that forced the officers to flee for safety.
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has since directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over the probe into the Hwidiem attack, with a special operation underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
The Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been invited for questioning over alleged involvement in inciting the mob.