By: Roberta Gayode Modin
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce (NAIMOS) has carried out another successful operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River, Kamei Stream, and Abrodiem in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to curb the destruction of water bodies and farmlands caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
During the exercise, the taskforce seized and destroyed several pieces of equipment used by the illegal miners. These included one excavator, seven chanfangs, and 88 water pumping machines. In addition, about 100 makeshift structures erected by the miners were set ablaze.
Other items confiscated included three gas cylinders, three shovels, four plastic chairs, two water hoses, one generator set, one pickaxe, and even a DSTV dish.
Authorities say the operation is part of a sustained effort to protect the Ankobra River and its tributaries from further pollution and degradation.
NAIMOS has pledged to intensify its monitoring and enforcement exercises across the Western Region and other galamsey-prone areas to safeguard the country’s natural resources and water bodies.
