The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, conducted targeted operations at Gwira Banso and Gwira Eshiem in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.

The operations, which took place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, between 0930 and 1400 hours, formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River to protect the water body from further pollution and environmental degradation.

Acting on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of illegal miners, the joint task force launched coordinated raids on the identified mining sites along the river.

Upon arrival at the location, the taskforce observed about 60 changfang machines actively engaged in illegal mining operations on the Ankobra River.

The miners, believed to be locals, quickly fled into nearby bushes upon sighting the approaching security personnel, abandoning their equipment and makeshift operational structures at the site.

A thorough inspection of the area confirmed that the changfang machines were being used to dredge the riverbed, a practice that significantly pollutes the water and destroys the aquatic ecosystem.

In line with operational directives to prevent the equipment from being reused for further illegal activities, the taskforce destroyed all 60 changfang machines found at the site.

Following these successful raids, a section of the taskforce proceeded to Dualle, where additional illegal mining activities were identified along the banks of the Ankobra River.

During the operation, the team discovered several water pumping installations concealed within nearby bushes.

The taskforce identified several long water hoses and pipes connected from hidden pumping points in the bushes and extending directly into the Ankobra River.

These installations were being used by the illegal miners to discharge heavily polluted water and mining residue into the river, thereby worsening the contamination of the water body.

Upon assessment of the situation, the team dismantled and destroyed the water hoses and pipes to prevent their continued use for illegal mining operations.

These actions formed part of the taskforce’s broader effort to halt all supporting infrastructure that facilitates illegal mining and contributes to the pollution of the Ankobra River.

The operations significantly disrupted the illegal mining activities in the area, sending a strong signal to all perpetrators engaged in the destruction of the country’s water bodies and the environment of the high financial cost associated with such reckless activities.

NAIMOS remains committed to intensifying the operations across the Western Region and other affected areas to ensure that illegal mining activities along major rivers are effectively curtailed.

The Secretariat continues to urge local communities to support the fight against illegal mining by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.