The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has foiled a bribery attempt by three suspected galamsey operators following the seizure of illegal mining equipment in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the task force continued its anti-galamsey operations, revisiting sites at Edwinase and Kokotro where previous raids had driven illegal miners away.

At Kokotro, the team discovered a galamsey site dangerously located within the town, threatening lives, property, and the environment.

During the operation, NAIMOS destroyed makeshift structures, industrial pumping machines, and other illegal mining equipment, while also seizing a Liugong excavator, two Liugong monitors, and an unregistered motorcycle.

While returning to their base, three men — identified as Emmanuel Koblah, Samuel Addai, and Kofi Frimpong — approached the Taskforce in a Black Tundra F150 (registration GR 4743–16) claiming ownership of the Kokotro site and offering a bribe of GHC 119,825.00 to reclaim the seized items.

The Taskforce immediately rejected the offer and arrested the trio, handing them over to the Bekwai Police Station for further investigations and prosecution. The attempted bribe, along with the excavator monitors and vehicle, has been secured at NAIMOS headquarters.

NAIMOS has warned all illegal miners and their associates that any attempts to bribe officers will be met with immediate arrest and prosecution.

The Secretariat also urged local authorities and security agencies to intensify monitoring of previously raided sites to prevent resumption of illegal mining activities.
Source: Citi News