The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested two individuals engaged in illegal mining along the Ankobra River after they allegedly attempted to bribe a taskforce team with GH¢30,000.
The arrests were made on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at about 12:50 p.m. during a routine riverine patrol at Gwira Banso in the Nzema East District.
According to NAIMOS, the suspects were caught actively engaging in illegal mining activities that had significantly polluted the river. Upon interrogation, one of the suspects admitted ownership of the site and revealed that additional workers were operating about 80 metres from the Ankobra River.
A subsequent inspection by the taskforce uncovered an access route created by the miners, linking their operations directly to the river and facilitating the discharge of pollutants into the water body.
While the taskforce began destroying “changfan” machines mounted on locally manufactured boats, the suspects reportedly approached officers and attempted to bribe them with GH¢30,000 in a bid to halt the operation.
The officers rejected the offer, seized the cash as evidence, and confiscated an outboard motor mounted on one of the boats used by the suspects.
The two individuals have since been handed over to the Nkroful Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution.
NAIMOS says the operation underscores its unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The Secretariat assured that sustained patrols and enforcement actions will continue to protect the Ankobra River and surrounding ecosystems.
Night Patrol Disrupts Illegal Mining Activities
In a related development, NAIMOS’ night patrol team also carried out a targeted operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River.
The operation, which began at about 5:00 p.m., followed observations that illegal miners are increasingly shifting their activities to nighttime to evade law enforcement.
As part of a revised strategy, the taskforce has intensified night patrols using newly deployed military speedboats to counter this trend.
During the patrol, several “changfan” machines mounted on improvised boats were identified actively mining along the river.
The team swiftly intervened and destroyed the equipment on-site to prevent further environmental damage.
NAIMOS noted that the operation reflects its adaptability in responding to evolving tactics used by illegal miners and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constant pressure through both day and night operations to safeguard the Ankobra River.
By 1960news.com
