A major anti-galamsey crackdown along the Ankobra River in the Western Region has led to the seizure and destruction of fifty (50) chanfang machines and other equipment used in illegal mining.
The operation, carried out on Friday, August 22, 2025, was a joint effort between the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Nzema East Blue Water Guards.
It targeted mining hubs around Abelebo and Akango in the Nzema East Municipality, where the river and adjoining communities have been heavily polluted.
Acting on intelligence and drone surveillance, the task force stormed the sites, forcing illegal miners to flee.
Abandoned equipment, including polytanks, generators, pipelines, refrigerators, and excavator parts, was confiscated, while makeshift wooden structures serving as shelters were torched.
Confirming the raid, NAIMOS Administrator Joyce Asiedu said the move was part of sustained efforts to dismantle galamsey operations along critical water bodies.
She assured that NAIMOS will intensify its collaboration with the Blue Water Guards to restore the Ankobra River and protect surrounding communities from further destruction.
