The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force has intensified its war against illegal mining in the Western Region with a major riverine patrol operation along the Ankobra River, aimed at dismantling mining sites directly on and along the waterway.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, covered approximately 9.8 kilometres of the river between Gwira Eshiam and Anyinase in the Nzema East Municipality.

According to a statement from NAIMOS, the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s water bodies and environment from destruction caused by illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators.

During the patrol, the Task Force encountered several illegal miners at a site known as “Cocoa Ase” in Gwira Banso, where active mining was being carried out on the riverbed. The miners reportedly fled upon sighting the security team, abandoning their equipment and makeshift shelters.

The Task Force subsequently destroyed seven chanfangs floating dredging machines used for river mining, and set ablaze more than 100 makeshift structures used by the miners.

Items seized during the raid included 15 water pumping machines, three gas cylinders, three shovels, four plastic chairs, two water hoses, a generator set, a pickaxe, and even a DStv dish.

In a related operation, the Task Force discovered that a stream known as Kamei, which flows into the Ankobra River, had been blocked by miners to divert water for their activities. The obstruction was cleared to restore the natural flow of the stream.

A nearby machine repair shop, found with over 50 pumping machines awaiting repair, was also dismantled.

The equipment was rendered unserviceable to prevent future use in illegal mining operations.

The operation extended to the Abrodiem area, where the Task Force immobilised a Hyundai excavator by removing its pump and gear lever to prevent further illegal mining.

In total, the operation led to the seizure or destruction of 23 water pumping machines, three gas cylinders, three shovels, four plastic chairs, two water hoses, one generator set, one pickaxe, one excavator pump, one gear lever, and one DStv dish.

NAIMOS has issued a stern warning to all illegal miners operating along the Ankobra River and its tributaries to cease their activities immediately.

“The Task Force will continue to conduct sustained operations to protect the environment and prevent the destruction of water bodies,” the statement said.

“We urge community members and all stakeholders to report illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities.”

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Ghana’s water bodies and safeguarding the environment from the destructive effects of illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey.

“The Ankobra operation is a clear message that illegal mining on our rivers will not be tolerated,” the Task Force stressed.