Galamsey Booms In Nzema East; NAIMOS Overwhelmed

Illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, is rapidly expanding across parts of the Nzema East Municipality in the Evalue–Ajomoro–Gwira Constituency, leaving several hectares of cocoa farms destroyed and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

Residents report that large tracts of productive cocoa land in communities such as Angbazea have been razed in recent weeks, as illegal miners move into farming areas with excavators and other heavy-duty equipment.

According to affected farmers, years of investment have been wiped out, significantly undermining the municipality’s agricultural base.

Community members told The ARCHIVES that the matter has been reported to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce. However, little or no action has followed, with the situation worsening by the day.

Illegal mining activities are said to be continuing openly with impunity, resulting in the degradation of farmlands and nearby water bodies.

This paper is informed the Fule River, which flows through parts of Nzema East and joins the Ankobra River, has also been heavily polluted by illegal miners in the northern Gwira area.

Nzema East, now described by residents as a galamsey “ground zero,” is reportedly experiencing an influx of illegal miners, including Chinese nationals allegedly operating with Ghanaian collaborators.

These miners are said to have invaded forest reserves and farmlands, causing extensive environmental destruction.

Images and video footage shared by freelance journalist Edem Srem show vast cocoa farms devastated by mining activities, with excavators operating deep in the bush.

Mr. Srem confirmed that residents had informed NAIMOS, but no decisive action has been taken.

Gwira Banso a ‘Crime Scene’

Another community, severely affected is Gwira Banso, which residents have described as a “galamsey crime scene” due to the scale of destruction.

Environmental activist and Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, attributed the situation partly to inadequate resourcing of the anti-galamsey taskforce.

“As for NAIMOS, until they get the needed resources, they will remain a pale shadow of themselves,” Mr. Bosu said.

Although NAIMOS has been commended for successes in some galamsey-prone areas, the situation in Nzema East appears to have overwhelmed the taskforce, despite reports of several raids conducted in the municipality.

Meanwhile, some residents and cocoa farmers are calling for the removal of the Nzema East Municipal Chief Executive, Herbert Kuah Dickson, accusing the local administration of failing to curb illegal mining.

“The cocoa farms are being destroyed right before our eyes,” one resident said, expressing frustration over what many describe as the slow response from authorities.

Farmers say some of the affected cocoa farms were nearing peak production before being taken over by illegal miners.

Beyond the immediate loss of farmlands, residents fear long-term environmental consequences, including land degradation, polluted water sources, and the destruction of fertile soil needed for future farming.

Cocoa remains the main source of income for many households in the area, and its destruction poses serious economic and social risks.

Affected farmers are calling on government agencies, traditional authorities, and security services to intensify enforcement efforts and protect farmlands from further encroachment.

They also want NAIMOS to respond urgently to community reports and ensure the removal of illegal mining operators.

Nzema East has long been recognised for its cocoa production, and residents warn that if the current trend continues unchecked, the municipality could suffer lasting damage to both its environment and local economy.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach officials of the NAIMOS taskforce for comment had been unsuccessful.