The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has carried out a major riverine operation along the Ankobra River, dismantling several illegal mining sites and destroying equipment used in the ongoing degradation of one of Ghana’s key water bodies.
The special operation, conducted in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, covered nearly 10 kilometres from Gwira Eshiam to Anyinase in the Western Region. It uncovered widespread illegal mining activities, particularly around “Cocoa Ase” in Gwira Banso, where illegal miners were actively dredging the riverbed.
Upon detecting the Task Force, the miners reportedly fled, leaving behind their equipment and makeshift camps.
In a decisive enforcement action, the Task Force set fire to over 100 makeshift structures, destroyed seven Chanfang machines, and seized 23 water pumping machines, gas cylinders, shovels, and other mining tools. A Hyundai excavator found at Abrodiem was also immobilized after its pump and gear lever were removed to prevent further use.
The team additionally discovered that the Kamei Stream, a tributary of the Ankobra River, had been diverted by miners to facilitate their activities. The Task Force successfully reopened the stream and destroyed more than 50 pumping machines found at a nearby repair workshop.
NAIMOS officials issued a stern warning to all illegal miners operating along the Ankobra and its tributaries to vacate the area immediately.
“This operation is only the beginning,” a NAIMOS spokesperson declared. “We are determined to protect Ghana’s environment and water resources from further destruction. Those engaged in illegal mining along the Ankobra River should take this as a final warning.”
The Ankobra River, one of Ghana’s most vital water sources, has suffered years of pollution and siltation from unregulated mining. The recent operation forms part of NAIMOS’ broader strategy to reclaim degraded water bodies and restore ecological balance in mining-affected regions.
Officials say more coordinated operations are planned in the coming weeks across other river systems.
With this latest enforcement action, NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Ghana’s rivers and protecting the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. The message, the Task Force emphasized, is unequivocal: the era of impunity on the Ankobra River is over.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
