The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified operations against illegal mining activities threatening the River Ankobra in the Western Region.

The latest operation targeted illegal mining sites within the Ablebo General Area of the Ellembelle District.

Three suspected illegal miners were arrested and handed over to the Police in Axim for further investigation.

NAIMOS also destroyed several chanfang machines and water pumps found operating on the river.

86 Chanfang Machines Destroyed

The River Ankobra is one of Ghana’s major water bodies that has suffered years of pollution from illegal mining.

Since 2022, pollution levels in the river have worsened, with turbidity recorded in the thousands.

Despite repeated raids, illegal miners continue to operate along sections of the river.

NAIMOS has therefore intensified its operations to dismantle illegal mining sites and remove equipment from the waterway.

So far, the operation has resulted in the destruction of 86 chanfang machines, 11 water pumps and two makeshift structures.

With support from the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), NAIMOS is also removing floating mining equipment for use as scrap.

Operational commanders believe that destroying the equipment will significantly reduce illegal miners' capacity to continue their activities in the affected areas.

The operation is also expected to facilitate the removal of mining infrastructure from sections of the Ankobra River corridor.