A task force from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has disrupted and halted widespread illegal mining activities in Kwabeng, Atiwa West District, Eastern Region.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, December 21, targeted an illegal mining site located behind the dormitory of Kwabeng Anglican Senior High School, following intelligence on escalating environmental destruction in the area.

During the raid, the task force observed that the illegal miners were washing mined materials directly into the River Ewusu, causing severe pollution and posing a serious threat to the water body and surrounding communities.

As part of the enforcement action, three excavators and one pay loader were seized and transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat’s equipment park for safekeeping.

In addition, heavy-duty water pumping machines, mining equipment and makeshift structures found at the site were destroyed, while key excavator parts were removed to immobilise other machines left behind.

NAIMOS stated that the operation has successfully halted the uncontrolled, illegal mining activities in the area and prevented further damage to the River Ewusu, reaffirming the task force’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s environment and water resources through sustained enforcement actions.