A joint taskforce has intensified patrols along the Ankobra River as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities that continue to threaten the water body.

The operation, carried out on Monday, March 9, involved the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, who conducted riverine patrols from Gwira Banso to Dualle in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.

The patrol forms part of NAIMOS’ sustained efforts to prevent, deter, and disrupt illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has contributed to the pollution and degradation of the Ankobra River.

According to officials, the team deployed drones to conduct aerial surveillance across several sections of the river where illegal mining activities had previously been reported.

The surveillance indicated that the continued presence and operations of the taskforce over the past week had significantly reduced illegal mining activities on parts of the river.

However, the drones also detected several new illegal mining setups mounted on makeshift floating platforms along other sections of the water body.

Acting on the intelligence gathered, the taskforce destroyed about 50 Changfan machines used in extracting minerals from the riverbed, along with makeshift structures, water hoses, pipelines, and other mining equipment found at the sites.

Authorities say the destruction of the machines is expected to significantly disrupt the operations of illegal miners and serve as a deterrent to others attempting to operate on the river.

During the patrol, the team also observed abandoned equipment along sections of the riverbank, suggesting that some operators fled the area upon noticing the presence of the task force.

NAIMOS says it remains committed to sustaining pressure on illegal mining groups and will continue to conduct regular patrols and targeted operations to protect the Ankobra River and its surrounding environment from further destruction.