Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS), in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, have carried out a major intelligence-led operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities across parts of the Nzema East District in the Western Region.

The coordinated exercise, conducted between 08;30 and 15;50 hours on April 20, targeted several galamsey hotspots, with a primary focus on an enclave known as “Krobo Line” at Gwira Banso.

The area had recently witnessed a resurgence of illegal mining despite previous enforcement efforts.

According to operational reports, approximately 20 illegal miners were found actively working along tributaries of the Ankobra River upon the taskforce’s arrival.

However, the miners fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their equipment.

A significant cache of mining machinery was discovered at the site, including 13 changfang machines and 16 water pumping machines, all strategically deployed for alluvial gold extraction.

The activities had caused severe environmental damage, including pollution of the Ankobra River and destruction of palm plantations through extensive excavation.

In line with operational protocols, the taskforce destroyed the equipment on-site.

Items disabled and set ablaze included changfang machines, water pumps, industrial hoses, wooden gold-washing platforms, and makeshift structures used as living quarters by the miners.

In a related development, another team conducted visibility patrols along the Ankobra River, covering Abrodiem, Dominase, and Awelezo.

At Abrodiem, six illegal miners operating with improvised boats fitted with changfang machines fled upon sighting the taskforce.

Their equipment was retrieved, destroyed, and burnt.

Further patrols at Dominase and Awelezo uncovered about 15 miners working in a large pit after diverting water from the Ankobra River through a constructed canal.

The miners were also using hazardous chemicals in their operations, posing a serious risk to water quality and public health. As with earlier encounters, the suspects fled, leaving behind machinery which was subsequently destroyed.

Authorities say the operation highlights NAiMOS’ continued commitment to combating illegal mining and safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.

They have assured that such enforcement actions will be sustained and intensified to restore degraded lands and protect vital water bodies.