The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Eastern Regional National Security Secretariat, have made significant gain in the fight against illegal mining after uncovering and dismantling a well-entrenched illegal mining (galamsey) network operating with impunity on the Prah River.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., targeting illegal mining activities along and directly on the Pra River between Ofoase Awona and Nsese villages in the Eastern Region.
The joint task force, made up of personnel from NAIMOS, National Security, and the Akyem Oda Blue Water Guards, began the operation at Akyem Ofoase Awona in the Akyemansa District, trekking approximately 14 kilometres on foot through cocoa farms to access the riverbank.
Upon arrival, the task force encountered about 50 illegal miners actively mining on the river. On sighting the officers, the miners abandoned their operations and swam across the Pra River towards Nsese Village to evade arrest.
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Following the escape of the miners, the task force dismantled and destroyed all equipment found at the site. In total, 275 pieces of illegal mining equipment were destroyed, including; 75 dredging Changfang platforms, 50 gold-washing platforms and 150 Changfang machines burnt on the riverbed.
Several pipelines and water hoses connected directly to the Pra River were destroyed.
The task force engaged residents of nearby communities, educating them on the environmental, health, and livelihood risks associated with illegal mining.
The residents, who expressed excitement over the clampdown and appealed for sustained operations to help restore their polluted water bodies and protect their livelihoods.
The Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annoh-Dompreh, described the operation as highly successful.
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He called on communities and individuals to provide accurate and timely information to National Security to support the ongoing clampdown on illegal mining activities in the region to safeguard river bodies and agricultural lands.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
