The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining in the Western Region, disrupting several illegal mining operations in the Ablebo General Area of the Ellembelle District.
The operation, conducted on August 22, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities believed to be threatening the Ankobra River, one of the water bodies affected by mining activities in the area.
During reconnaissance and enforcement patrols, the NAiMOS Task Force identified several active illegal mining sites and dismantled infrastructure being used to support the operations.
The exercise resulted in the destruction of 86 chanfang machines, 11 water pumps and two makeshift structures.
Additional mining equipment was also removed from the sites with support from the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
Three suspected illegal miners were arrested during the operation and handed over to the Police in Axim for further investigation.
NAiMOS said the destruction and removal of the equipment had significantly disrupted the miners’ immediate ability to continue their activities in the affected areas.
The operation also helped clear mining infrastructure from sections of the Ankobra River corridor, contributing to efforts to protect the water body from further degradation.
The Secretariat said the exercise demonstrated the impact of sustained enforcement in denying illegal miners access to equipment, disrupting their operations and protecting critical water bodies.
NAiMOS said it would continue targeted operations, reconnaissance and monitoring along the Ankobra River and other areas affected by illegal mining.
The Secretariat said the continued operations were necessary to prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared areas and to consolidate the gains made through ongoing enforcement efforts.
