Security forces have stepped up operations against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, along the Ankobra River, dismantling mining sites and destroying equipment in a sweeping raid across the Nzema East Municipality in the Western Region.
The exercise, carried out on Wednesday, September 17, was led by the NAIMOS Task Force in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council, the Western Naval Command, and the Nzema East Blue Water Guards. The operation covered communities stretching from Dwira Ashem through Dominase to Akango.
Task Force members and Blue Water Guards raided makeshift structures erected along the riverbanks, while naval officers and regional security personnel cleared mining operations directly on the river.
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Several temporary shelters were set ablaze, and dredging platforms, known locally as chanfangs, were destroyed. Security personnel also seized motorbikes, water pumps, solar panels, household appliances, and gas cylinders suspected to have supported the illegal mining activities.
According to officials, this operation is part of a series of joint raids conducted over the past three weeks to curb galamsey along the Ankobra.
NAIMOS commended the progress made so far but noted that sections of the river remain obstructed by debris from destroyed equipment. Authorities say urgent dredging will be required to restore the natural flow of the river.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem