The Anti-Galamsey Taskforce of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, carried out a major operation at the Nyamedomso camp, near Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region to clamp down on illegal mining activities along River Mankran.
The operation forms part of the association’s ongoing commitment to promote responsible and legal small-scale mining while supporting the government’s nationwide campaign to eliminate illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey, on river bodies.
During the exercise, the taskforce destroyed several pieces of illegal mining equipment found along River Mankran and vowed to sustain their operations to protect vital water bodies and farmlands in the area.
About 50 meters from the Nyamedomso farming community, the taskforce discovered groups of illegal miners actively operating along River Mankran the only water source for both domestic and agricultural use in the community.
The river, which flows into River Offin, a major water source for Kumasi and its surrounding areas, has become severely polluted due to persistent illegal mining activities.
Upon noticing the arrival of the taskforce, the miners fled the scene, taking with them some of their equipment. The taskforce proceeded to dismantle the illegal mining camp and set the remaining machines ablaze to prevent the resumption of operations.
Philip Bawa, a member of the taskforce, alleged that some community elders at Nyamedomso were shielding the illegal miners for personal gain.
“There’s nowhere in Ghana you can mine on a river body 50 meters from the community without the knowledge of the traditional authorities, since certain rituals must be performed before mining begins. Therefore, it’s fair to conclude that the traditional leaders and other local authorities are aware of the miners’ presence. They are involved, and that is why they have not taken any action they are complicit,” he said.
He further explained “We have warned them and told them that they are perpetuating the destruction we’ve seen. This is River Mankran, which joins River Offin at a point. So, when pollution occurs here, River Offin is equally affected and eventually, the contamination reaches River Pra and the sea. That’s why we have begun our operations against illegal miners here in the Mankranso District, particularly at the Nyamedomso camp.”
Meanwhile, a member of the local unit committee admitted that the community had failed to take responsibility for protecting the river but pledged to work with authorities to safeguard the area’s only water source.
“Truth be told, we are guilty, but I wasn’t aware of their presence this time. When I first noticed their operations on the river, I personally took them to the DCE, who warned them to stop. Later, the DCE himself came to drive them away. I traveled and returned last night only to notice they had resumed mining on River Mankran,” the unit committee member said.
He added “Your presence here through this operation tells us to take our destiny into our own hands, and I can assure you that we will not sit unconcerned again for them to destroy the river we depend on for farming.”
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Asadik Abubakar, commended NCSSMAG’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce for their efforts in supporting the government’s campaign against illegal mining.
He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies and responsible small-scale miners would help flush out illegal operators and restore the credibility of Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.
“The area you are talking about I was personally there about two weeks ago to sack them. I’m surprised to hear they have returned to mining on the river. Nevertheless, I will go there tomorrow to check on them,” the DCE said.
He added “Currently, I have formed a taskforce that is specifically targeting illegal mining on river bodies so we can clear all illegal miners operating within my jurisdiction.”
Breasi Andoh, leader of NCSSMAG’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustaining the fight against illegal mining while promoting environmentally responsible and legal mining practices.
“As you can see, my team is fully prepared for the task. We, the legal small-scale miners, will no longer sit unconcerned while illegal miners, also known as Tonto miners, destroy our image. That’s why we are on the field now. The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana will ensure that we protect legal small-scale mining operations and support the government in fighting all illegalities to protect our image,” Commander Andoh assured.
He explained further “We came with our boats, divers, and other equipment. All the mining machines we are burning will be removed from the river to avoid further pollution. We will do everything possible to support the government’s fight against illegal mining. We are fully committed to working with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”
President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, also called for collective action in tackling the illegal mining menace across all mining districts.
He urged the public and stakeholders in the small-scale mining sector to volunteer information to the association’s taskforce and other government-established teams to help apprehend miners involved in illegal activities, particularly those operating on river bodies.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
