The Taskforce of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has destroyed 40 Chang Fa machines on the Abompe end of the River Offin in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region.

The operation also saw the clearance of tributaries of River Offin at Mpasatia and Beposo of illegal mining activities.

This move is part of a self-policing drive by the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association to combat illegal mining among its members.

The Taskforce, equipped with speed boats, is tracking down illegal miners on the River Offin.

During the operation, the illegal miners abandoned their Chang Fa boats, which were subsequently destroyed.

The boats were being used to dig for gold, resulting in the destruction of the river's quality.

The river's color was visibly altered, rendering it useless.

Philip Bawah, Operations Director of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, emphasized that the Taskforce is determined to clamp down on individuals perpetuating illegal mining.

"We are sounding a warning to anyone involved in this kind of business it is illegal," he said.

He added, "They should leave the river and avail themselves for better opportunities in small-scale mining."

The Atwima Mponua District has witnessed an increase in illegal mining activities in recent years, with several deaths recorded due to collapsed mining pits.

Mining in river bodies within the area is on the rise.

Bresi Andoh, Leader of the Taskforce, has warned individuals engaging in illegal mining to desist from the act.