The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS), in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, has intensified its operations against illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River with a sustained offensive patrol across parts of the Nzema East District in the Western Region.

The exercise, conducted between 0600hrs and 1640hrs on Monday, 4 May 2026, covered a significant stretch of the river from Gwira Banso to Tumentu.

The operation formed part of ongoing efforts to identify, disrupt, and deter illegal mining activities posing serious environmental and security threats to the area.

At Gwira Banso, barely a kilometre into the patrol, the task force encountered approximately 20 individuals actively engaged in illegal mining along the riverbank.

The team swiftly maneuvered patrol boats to intercept the group and halt their operations.

A subsequent inspection uncovered about 20 changfan machines in operation, along with several concealed water pumping hoses being used to draw and discharge water directly into the river, contributing to its pollution.

In line with operational directives, the task force dismantled and destroyed all identified changfan machines, while the water pumping hoses were seized and set ablaze to prevent reuse.

Further downstream at Eshiem, the team identified another illegal mining site consisting of approximately five modified boats positioned within a mining pit.

The boats were fitted with multiple changfan machines, estimated at 10 in total. Upon sighting the approaching task force, the operators fled the scene, abandoning their equipment.

The task force secured the site and proceeded to destroy all mining machinery and associated equipment, effectively disrupting operations in the area.

NAiMOS reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations in collaboration with key stakeholders to protect Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources.

The Secretariat also called on local communities to support ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and preserve the environment.