The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has intensified its operations against illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, dismantling several galamsey sites and seizing heavy equipment during a weekend swoop.

The operations, conducted on February 14 and 15, targeted illegal mining activities at Edwinase in the Bekwai Municipality and Wromanso in the Amansie Central District along the River Offin.

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On Saturday, February 14, the taskforce raided two illegal mining sites at Edwinase. At the first location, suspected miners fled upon sighting the approaching taskforce vehicles.

The team destroyed washing plants, a motorcycle, and a tricycle found at the site. Makeshift structures and an industrial pumping machine were also burnt, while a Sany excavator was immobilised after its monitor and other essential components were removed. One pump-action gun loaded with 14 BB cartridges was seized.

At a second site in the same area, officers burnt additional makeshift structures and mining equipment.

Two pump-action guns, three pumping machines, and a radiator were confiscated. Two Lingong excavators were also seized and transported to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement centre in Kumasi.

In total, Saturday’s operation led to the seizure of three excavators, three pump-action guns, three pumping machines, a radiator, a monitor, and 14 BB cartridges.

The following day, Sunday, February 15, the taskforce extended its operation to Wromanso in the Amansie Central District, where illegal mining activities along the Offin River had caused significant environmental degradation.

The area was found to have suffered widespread destruction of farmlands, severe pollution of the river, and degradation of sections of forest reserve. Several abandoned deep pits left by illegal miners were also identified as posing danger to residents.

As the task force advanced into the area, miners reportedly fled once again. Officers destroyed several small and industrial pumping machines and burnt changfang machines operating directly on the river.

Additionally, two Sany excavators, one wheel loader, and one XCMG excavator were seized and conveyed to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement centre in Kumasi.

The operation concluded at about 2100 hours on Sunday, with the taskforce reporting that several illegal mining sites had been abandoned due to its sustained presence.

The NAIMOS Secretariat indicated that it plans to scale up operations across the Ashanti Region and is seeking enhanced logistical support, including lowbeds, speed boats, and life jackets, to strengthen the ongoing fight against illegal mining.

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