Correspondence from Western Region

The Blue Water Guards have struck a major blow against illegal mining in the Wassa Amenfi East district in the Western region, dismantling dozens of machines and making arrests in a decisive operation carried out on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

The swoop, which took place between Asikuma and Mensahkrom as well as on the Eshire River at Wassa Akropong, targeted miners who had been destroying roads and waterways with their activities.

Upon arrival at Mensahkrom, the task force found operators mining directly on the road, worsening its already deteriorated state.

In total, 30 Changfan engines, 18 pumping machines, 19 shovels, five hammers, over 100 “outers,” two diggers, a pipeline, 50 washing boards, and more than 50 washing blankets were destroyed.

The team also burnt down five makeshift shelters, seized one gallon of diesel, and impounded a tricycle locally named "aboboyaa".

Three suspects were arrested and handed over to the Wassa Akropong Police Command for further investigation.



After the raid, the Guards met with the local committee chairman and the chief, who handed over two excavators and four culverts.

Under the supervision of the task force, these were used to reshape portions of the damaged road.

The chief further pledged two truckloads of gravel to support the restoration effort, with monitoring scheduled to continue on Wednesday.



This latest operation reinforces the Blue Water Guards’ determination to protect communities, roads, and rivers from the devastating effects of illegal mining in the Wassa Amenfi enclave.