The intelligence-led exercise targeted about 10 suspected illegal mining sites and involved personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, the Bureau of National Investigations and River Guards.

Several suspected illegal miners reportedly fled their sites when the security team arrived, while 26 persons were arrested during the operation. The team also seized 14 pumping machines, eight motorbikes and two gallons of fuel believed to have been used in illegal mining activities.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Sekondi Central Police Station to assist with investigations and subsequent legal processes.

The operation was led by the District Chief Executive, Madam Sophia Aubyn, who disclosed that the District Security Committee (DISEC) had agreed to strengthen the district's anti-illegal mining taskforce by increasing the number of personnel assigned to the team. She explained that the strengthened taskforce would complement the efforts of the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), whose nationwide operations could face challenges in maintaining a sustained presence in every district.

Madam Aubyn said the Assembly would rely on intelligence led and coordinated operations to disrupt illegal mining activities and protect the district's natural resources.

The District Coordinating Director, Alhassan Sullemana, also assured the taskforce of the Assembly's commitment to providing the necessary logistics to support its operations.

The latest crackdown forms part of the Assembly's renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, protect the environment and safeguard the sustainable development of the Mpohor Fiase District.