The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has carried out a series of coordinated operations against illegal mining activities across parts of the Western Region, targeting heavily affected sites along the Ankobra and Butre rivers.
The large-scale exercise, conducted on Saturday, 11 April 2026, formed part of intensified efforts to disrupt illegal mining networks and protect major water bodies and surrounding ecosystems.
The first phase of the operation began at about 0730 hours at Gwira Banso in the Nzema East District, where NAIMOS personnel, working with the Blue Water Guards, moved in on an illegal mining site along the Ankobra River.
On arrival, the task force discovered extensive illegal mining infrastructure, including about 30 Changfan machines mounted on makeshift floating platforms.
The site also featured a network of canals designed to channel contaminated wastewater directly into the river, posing significant environmental and health risks to downstream communities.
Following the intervention, several illegal miners fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their equipment.
NAIMOS personnel subsequently destroyed and burnt all machinery and structures on site, including the floating platforms, bringing the operation phase at Gwira Banso to a close at about 1648 hours.
Operation at Mpohor Yaabi, Ahanta West — Butre River
In a parallel operation between 0800 and 1530 hours, another NAIMOS team conducted intensified patrols at Mpohor Yaabi in the Ahanta West District, along a tributary of the Butre River.
About 30 illegal miners were found actively engaged in mining activities but fled upon sighting the task force, leaving behind significant equipment.
Investigations at the site revealed extensive environmental degradation, including the clearing of large areas of palm and bamboo plantations to create access routes and mining pits.
The Yaabi stream had also been diverted and obstructed, significantly affecting its natural flow into the Butre River and threatening water availability for surrounding communities.
The task force dismantled and destroyed multiple pieces of equipment, including 20 water pumping machines, 15 Changfan machines, industrial hoses, six wooden washing platforms, and seven makeshift structures used as shelter by the miners.
The structures were subsequently set ablaze in line with operational protocols to prevent reuse.
Night Operations at Duale, Nzema East — Ankobra River
At about 1830 hours, NAIMOS extended its operations to Duale in the Nzema East District, conducting night patrols along the Ankobra River.
The move followed intelligence indicating a growing shift by illegal miners toward nighttime operations.
In response, NAIMOS has intensified night surveillance along the river corridors as part of a sustained strategy to deny operators any opportunity to resume activities under cover of darkness.
NAIMOS says the coordinated operations reflect its continued resolve to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the Western Region.
The Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to sustained patrols and targeted interventions until affected rivers, lands, and forests are fully protected and restored.
By 1960news.com
