The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has uncovered and dismantled an illegal mining base at Chavene in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, as part of intensified efforts to clamp down on galamsey activities.

The operation, which took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, between 3:20 pm and 5:50 pm, followed what officials described as credible and actionable intelligence.

Upon arrival at the site, the task force discovered that the operators had fled, apparently tipped off about the team’s movement.

Two excavators that were reportedly in active use had been hurriedly relocated and concealed in a nearby bamboo plantation.

A technical assessment conducted by the team confirmed that the excavators had been recently operated.

To prevent their further use, officials removed critical components, including two control boards, two oil pumps, one monitor, and two batteries. The task force also seized a portable generator set found at the location.

Further inspection of the area revealed widespread destruction of arable lands and severe damage to a large bamboo plantation.

NAIMOS indicated that the illegal mining activities had heavily polluted the Nana Aworu River, a major source of potable water for surrounding communities, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.

As part of the operation, the task force set ablaze four multipurpose heavy-duty water pumping machines, several water hoses, one Chanfang machine, assorted personal belongings of the illegal miners, and multiple makeshift structures erected at the site.