Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS), on Thursday, 14 May 2026, carried out a targeted riverine anti-illegal mining operation at Ewusiejo along the Butre River in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, dismantling several illegal mining installations in the process.

The operation, which commenced at approximately 0915 hours, forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by NAiMOS to clamp down on illegal mining activities that continue to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s water bodies and the environment.

The taskforce acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of illegal miners operating along the river.

Upon arrival, the team encountered about thirty (30) individuals actively engaged in illegal mining.

However, the suspects fled the scene upon sighting the advancing security personnel, leaving behind their equipment and operational structures.

A thorough assessment of the site uncovered multiple wooden washing platforms constructed along the riverbanks and used to process mined materials directly into the water body.

The taskforce also identified one (1) changfan machine equipped with extended water-pumping hoses connected to the river.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the machine was being used to draw water from the river for mining purposes while discharging polluted wastewater back into the river, thereby contributing to the contamination of the water source.

In a decisive intervention to halt further environmental degradation, the taskforce dismantled and destroyed the changfan machine, water hoses, and all wooden washing platforms discovered at the site.

NAiMOS has reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations against illegal mining across the country, particularly in river bodies and other ecologically sensitive zones.

The Secretariat also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in such activities to desist immediately, emphasizing that sustained operations will continue to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and promote environmental sustainability.