The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River with a raid on several galamsey sites at Hiawa in the Amenfi Central District of the Western North Region.

The operation, carried out on Monday, March 9, forms part of ongoing efforts by NAIMOS to clear the Ankobra River and other water bodies across the country of illegal mining activities.

Acting on credible intelligence, the taskforce raided a series of illegal mining sites operating along the river, which authorities say have contributed to its continuous pollution.

However, the suspected illegal miners fled the area upon noticing the presence of the taskforce, and no arrests were made during the operation.

Upon arrival at the site, the team identified three heavy-duty washing plants connected directly to the river and discharging mining residue into the water body.

The taskforce also discovered four excavators being used to support the illegal mining operations.

Due to the immediate unavailability of low-bed transport services to remove the machines, officers immobilised all four excavators at the site by detaching their monitors and control boards, rendering them inoperable.

In addition, more than 25 makeshift structures, pipelines, water hoses and other equipment used in the illegal mining activities were destroyed.

The items were set ablaze to prevent further use by the illegal miners.

NAIMOS says the destruction of such equipment and structures forms a key part of its strategy to impose significant operational costs on illegal miners and make their activities unprofitable.

The secretariat has reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on illegal mining groups as part of broader efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers and environment from further degradation.