The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has seized fifty chanfang machines and other illegal mining equipment along the Ankobra River in the Western Region.
In a joint operation with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards on Friday, August 22, 2025, the team swept through the Abelebo and Akango communities in the Nzema East Municipality.
The raid was prompted by the alarming rate of devastation caused to the Ankobra River and adjoining communities.
Acting on credible intelligence from local informants and the Blue Water Guards, the illegal miners — who were captured in large numbers via drone footage — fled upon sighting the task force.
Several items used by the miners, including fifty (50) chanfang machines, polytanks, generators, and pipelines, were seized and destroyed at the sites.
The task force also burned several makeshift structures erected along the course of the River Ankobra that were being used as shelters by the illegal miners.
Additional items such as refrigerators, a motorbike, PVC pipes, and excavator parts abandoned at the sites were also confiscated.
Confirming the operation, the Administrator for NAIMOS, Joyce Asiedu, said the Secretariat remains committed to collaborating with the Blue Water Guards in the fight against illegal mining.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
