NAIMOS destroys 86 chanfang machines in Ankobra illegal mining crackdown
Three suspected illegal miners have been arrested in the Ellembelle District as authorities intensify efforts to stop mining activities blamed for worsening pollution of the River Ankobra.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has destroyed 86 chanfang machines and 11 water pumps in an intensified crackdown on illegal mining along the River Ankobra in the Western Region.
Three suspected illegal miners were also arrested during the latest operation in the Ablebo General Area of the Ellembelle District and handed over to police in Axim for further investigation.
NAIMOS said several chanfang machines and water pumps found operating on the river were destroyed as part of efforts to dismantle illegal mining sites and remove equipment from the waterway.
The River Ankobra is one of Ghana's major water bodies and has suffered years of pollution linked to illegal mining.
According to the information provided by NAIMOS, pollution levels in the river have worsened since 2022, with turbidity recorded in the thousands.
Despite repeated raids, illegal mining operations have continued along parts of the river.
The latest operation is intended to disrupt those activities by removing the machinery used to carry out mining in and around the waterway.
NAIMOS said two makeshift structures were also destroyed during the operation.
With support from the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), the Secretariat is removing floating mining equipment recovered from the river for use as scrap.
Operational commanders involved in the exercise believe the destruction of the equipment will significantly reduce the ability of illegal miners to continue operating in the affected areas.
The operation is also expected to help clear mining infrastructure from sections of the Ankobra River corridor.
The arrests have been handed over to police in Axim, who are expected to investigate the suspected illegal mining activities.
The latest crackdown comes as authorities continue efforts to tackle the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly to Ghana's rivers and other water resources.
However, the continued presence of illegal mining along the Ankobra despite previous raids highlights the difficulty authorities face in permanently stopping the activities.
Important context: The supplied material does not provide the exact turbidity readings, the dates of the latest operation, or details of any charges brought against the three suspects. Those details should be independently verified before publication if they are to be included.