Audio By Carbonatix Personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, have conducted sustained offensive patrols within the Nzema East District of the Western Region. The patrols were part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining on and along the Ankobra River. The operations covered a wide stretch of the river, extending from Gwira Banso to Tumentu, with the primary objective of identifying, disrupting, and deterring illegal mining activities that continued to pose significant environmental and security threats to the area. A statement copied the Ghana News Agency from the Secretariat said on Monday, between 0600 and 1640hrs, the NAIMOS task force carried out this clamp down exercise. It explained that at Gwira Banso, about one kilometer into the patrol, the team observed a group of about 20 individuals actively engaged in illegal mining activities along the riverbank. Acting swiftly, the team maneuvered their patrol boats to the shore to intercept and halt the unlawful activities of the illegal miners, the statement added. It said that subsequent inspection of the site saw 20 Changfan machines in operation, many water pumping hoses that draw and discharge water directly into the rivers. In line with operational procedures and directives, the task force proceeded to dismantle and destroy all identified Changfan machines and set ablaze the water hoses. The patrol continued downstream, and upon reaching Eshiem, the team identified another illegal mining setup. The statement said the site consisted of approximately five modified boats stationed within a mining pit, each fitted with multiple changfan machines. The operators fled the area to evade arrest; but task force moved in to secure the site and carried out the destruction of all mining machinery and associated equipment found in the area. This coordinated exercise underscored NAIMOS’ continued commitment, in partnership with other stakeholders, to safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources. The Secretariat reiterated its resolve to sustain pressure on illegal mining networks and calls on local communities to support efforts aimed at preserving the environment and upholding the law. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Ankobra River Galamsey NAIMOS DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story You can’t brand a city with galamsey – Ofosu-Dorte warns Cocoa farmers in Amenfi Central rally against galamsey ahead of new season Tano North MP sounds alarm over galamsey devastation, accuses officials of shielding perpetrators NAIMOS dawn operation leads to arrest of 49 suspected illegal miners after ambush on taskforce in Ahanta West May Day: Galamsey remains a menace and must stop now – TUC Chairman warns Miss Health Ghana, NMEP intensify fight against Malaria and galamsey in Atiwa West Manso Kaniago miners protest extortion by ‘fake’ security operatives Miracles Aboagye hints at exposing top officials in galamsey crackdown row Adamus Resources refutes illegal mining claims; says due process not followed in licence revocation rCOMSDEP engages Northern Regional Minister on small-scale miners registration drive Latest Stories Cocoa smuggling: Fiapre Circuit Court grants GH¢10k bail each to four suspects13 minutes African media criticised for weak geopolitical coverage17 minutes NHIA launches free NHIS registration campaign19 minutes Oil prices rise by $1 as investors weigh Middle East peace prospects20 minutes Court remands three over jewellery shop robberies23 minutes NAIMOS intensifies crackdown on illegal mining activities along Ankobra River25 minutes Evidence-based data crucial in fight against climate change – Food systems stakeholders26 minutes Mason jailed over motorbike theft28 minutes No journalist must be harassed – Gov’t promises media protection, warns against threats to press freedom30 minutes Africa must address training gaps, retain health staff – Opoku-Agyemang30 minutes Climate action must support Ghana’s resetting agenda – Climate Minister34 minutes Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly records significant gains in revenue mobilisation 37 minutes Digital technologies critical to strengthening Africa’s health systems – WHO41 minutes BoG backs cross-border fintech expansion to deepen African markets46 minutes Indigenous innovators power Ghana’s growth with UNDP support50 minutes