Operatives from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), working alongside the Blue Water Guards, have carried out a major operation to dismantle illegal mining activities in parts of the Nzema East District.
The intelligence-led exercise, conducted on April 20, 2026, targeted several known galamsey hotspots, with a key focus on an enclave at Gwira Banso popularly referred to as “Krobo Line.”
The area had reportedly seen renewed illegal mining activity despite previous interventions.
According to officials, the taskforce launched coordinated raids across multiple sites within the enclave after receiving credible intelligence.
On arrival, about 20 individuals were found actively mining along tributaries feeding into the Ankobra River.
However, the suspects fled into nearby bushes upon spotting the advancing team, abandoning their equipment.
A large cache of mining tools was retrieved at the site, including 16 water pumping machines and 13 changfang machines used for alluvial gold extraction.
Authorities noted that the activities had severely degraded the environment, polluting the Ankobra River and damaging extensive palm plantations through the creation of deep, unsafe pits.
In line with operational procedures, the equipment was destroyed on-site to prevent reuse.
Items dismantled included changfang machines, water pumps, hoses, wooden washing platforms, and makeshift shelters used by the miners.
All were rendered unusable and set on fire.
In a related operation, another team conducted patrols along the Ankobra River, covering communities from Abrodiem through Dominase to Awelezo.
At Abrodiem, six suspected illegal miners operating two improvised boats fitted with changfang machines fled upon sighting the taskforce.
The abandoned equipment was seized, destroyed, and burnt.
Further patrols at Dominase and Awelezo uncovered about 15 individuals working in a large mining pit.
Investigations revealed that the group had diverted water from the Ankobra River through a man-made canal to support their operations.
Officials warned that such practices, combined with the use of harmful chemicals, pose serious risks to water quality and public health.
The miners again escaped before arrests could be made, leaving behind three boats, multiple changfang machines, water pumps, and hoses—all of which were subsequently destroyed.
NAIMOS says the operation highlights its continued resolve to curb illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources, particularly water bodies and farmlands.
Authorities have indicated that similar enforcement actions will be sustained and expanded to restore environmental integrity in affected areas.
By 1960news.com
