On Friday, 7 August 2026, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) visited a site affected by illegal mining activities at Apedwa, following social media concerns about the extent of environmental degradation in the area.
During the visit, the NAIMOS team inspected the affected land to assess the extent of the damage and the measures being taken by local authorities to address the situation. The team also met traditional leaders and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) to gather further information on the mining activities and the actions already taken at the local level.
The engagement revealed that the individual believed to be responsible for the activities (name withheld) and the land owners were arrested and taken to the Kibi Regional Police Headquarters on 5th of August, and were granted bail on the 6th of August 2026. The Assembly has also taken steps to address the environmental damage caused by the mining activities. Consequently, the miner is required to reclaim the degraded land under supervision to ensure that the affected area is restored to an acceptable condition. NAIMOS welcomed the Assembly’s action and emphasised the importance of ensuring that reclamation is properly carried out and monitored to prevent further degradation of the area.
The visit forms part of NAIMOS’ broader approach of combining enforcement operations with engagement with local authorities, traditional leaders, and communities to address illegal mining and its environmental impacts. NAIMOS reiterates that those engaged in illegal mining will be held accountable not only for breaches of the law but also for the environmental damage caused by their activities.
The Secretariat will continue to collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, security agencies and other relevant institutions to combat illegal mining and promote the reclamation and restoration of degraded land.
