NAIMOS destroys 50 illegal mining machines during patrol on the Ankobra River
A joint taskforce has increased patrols along the Ankobra River to fight illegal mining activities that threaten the water body.
On Monday, March 9, the operation involved the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards, who conducted river patrols from Gwira Banso to Dualle in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
This patrol is part of NAIMOS’s ongoing efforts to prevent, deter, and disrupt illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has polluted and degraded the Ankobra River.
Officials reported that drones were used to conduct aerial surveillance over sections of the river where illegal mining had previously been reported.
The surveillance showed that the taskforce’s presence over the past week had greatly reduced illegal mining activities in some parts of the river.
However, the drones also identified new illegal mining setups on makeshift floating platforms in other sections.
Based on this intelligence, the taskforce destroyed about 50 Changfan machines used for extracting minerals from the riverbed, along with makeshift structures, water hoses, pipelines, and other mining tools.
Authorities believe the destruction will significantly hinder illegal miners and serve as a deterrent to others.
During the patrol, the team also found abandoned equipment along sections of the riverbank, indicating that some operators fled after noticing the taskforce.
NAIMOS affirms its commitment to maintaining pressure on illegal mining groups by continuing regular patrols and targeted operations to safeguard the Ankobra River and its environment.
