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…..Destroys galamsey sites & equipment in Eastern region operation
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has carried out a major raid on illegal mining sites in the Eastern Region, dismantling heavy machinery and destroying equipment used in galamsey operations that continue to devastate farmlands and water bodies.
The coordinated operation, conducted on Monday, 13 October 2025, targeted two major hotspots, Oda Nkwanta in the Birim Central Municipality and Akanteng near Asamankese, following credible intelligence received from an informant.
The illicit activities had caused significant destruction to nearby cocoa farms. They blocked a river that flows directly into the River Birim, a key water source for communities in the region.
The Taskforce also destroyed a heavy-duty water pump, water hoses, and temporary shelters used by the miners.
At Oda Nkwanta, the Taskforce discovered three excavators actively engaged in illegal mining. Upon the team’s arrival, the operators fled, abandoning their equipment and personal belongings.
Two of the excavators were immobilized by removing their monitors and control boards, while the third had already been stripped of its components.
Confiscated items from the site included five motorbikes, four excavator batteries, and five monitors.
Proceeding to Akanteng, the Taskforce intercepted two additional excavators operating a few kilometres off the main Oda–Asamankese road. Once again, the miners fled upon spotting the security personnel.
One excavator was disabled, while the other was found already stripped of its control systems. The site, located close to the River Birim, showed visible signs of deforestation and massive water pollution.
As the operation advanced towards Kyebi Akanteng, several other illegal mining sites were identified along the roadside. Numerous excavators were found parked, many rendered inoperable by miners who had hastily removed vital parts after learning of the Taskforce’s presence.
At Akanteng Asamankese, the team uncovered two illegal mining sites with six excavators concealed in nearby bushes. Of these, two were immobilised, while four had their control components removed.
Local residents confirmed that the miners’ operations had contaminated nearby streams feeding into the River Birim.
The NAIMOS operation is confirming the increasing environmental harm caused by illegal mining in the Eastern Region, from ruined cocoa farms and degraded forests to heavily polluted rivers.
Security experts have urged that covert and unannounced raids be intensified to effectively combat galamsey operations, while environmental groups are calling for stricter punitive measures against miners operating near rivers, roadsides, and within forest reserves.
The Taskforce also highlighted logistical challenges, noting the urgent need for low-bed trucks to transport confiscated excavators to secure holding areas. This move would enhance its capacity to clamp down on illegal operations.
NAIMOS reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and pledges to sustain its nationwide campaign against illegal mining.
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