Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has announced what he describes as significant progress in the fight against illegal mining following a coordinated operation in the Western Region.
In a Facebook post, the Minister said the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), working in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, carried out a decisive 48-hour crackdown over the weekend that dismantled illegal mining infrastructure across several hotspots.
According to him, the operation targeted criminal syndicates operating along the Ankobra River and within the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Wassa Akropong districts. He said the raids crippled illegal mining activities and led to the seizure of critical equipment at multiple sites.
Mr. Buah disclosed that more than 80 chanfan machines and about 50 makeshift boats were destroyed on the Ankobra River. The task force also arrested foreign operators and immobilised excavators and pumping equipment being used at illegal land-based mining sites.
The Minister said the intervention has halted immediate pollution of waterways, protected surrounding farmlands and ecosystems, and secured public infrastructure from what he described as dangerous encroachment by illegal miners.
He further announced that NAIMOS is moving to establish a permanent deterrent presence in the affected areas to consolidate the gains made and prevent a return of illegal mining activities.
“This is about safeguarding our natural resources for future generations,” the Minister noted, adding that sustained enforcement would be key to ensuring Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmlands remain protected.
