A NAIMOS task force, in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, has embarked on deliberate long-range patrol operations on and along the Ankobrah River to disrupt illegal mining activities responsible for the massive pollution of the water body.
In an operation on March 3, 2026, the NAIMOS personnel stormed Wiaso in the Nzema East District in three groups- two separate teams boarded operational boats to conduct river patrols, while a support party remained positioned along the riverbanks.
“The objective of the operation was to deter illegal miners from reorganising their activities on the Ankobra River and to prevent further environmental degradation caused by illegal mining operations,” it said in a statement.
The patrol team observed that illegal miners had evacuated their shafts and dismantled several operational structures as a result of the sustained presence of NAIMOS personnel within the area.
However, approximately seventy (70) abandoned makeshift structures were identified along sections of the river. These structures were subsequently destroyed to prevent their future reuse by illegal miners.
Items seized during the operation included one brand-new water pumping machine, two brand-new generator sets, and one cutting machine.
Further observations along the operational stretch revealed that illegal miners whose equipment had been destroyed during earlier operations between Gwira Eshiem, Banso, Akitipo and Akango Dualle had removed their remaining mining structures as well as burnt Chanfang machines from the river, it reported.
According to the Director of Operations, the current riverine operations form part of deliberate continuous efforts by NAIMOS to restore and safeguard the Ankobrah River from illegal mining activities.
He warned all illegal miners to flee from the river belt to save their wares from being destroyed by the Task Force.
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Source:
opemsuo.com