The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, dismantling multiple galamsey sites and seizing heavy equipment over the weekend.
The operations, carried out on February 14 and 15, targeted illegal mining activities in Edwinase in the Bekwai Municipality and Wromanso in the Amansie Central District along the River Offin.
On Saturday, February 14, the taskforce raided two illegal mining sites at Edwinase. At the first site, several miners fled upon seeing the approaching vehicles of the taskforce.
The team destroyed washing plants, a motorcycle, and a tricycle found at the site. Several makeshift structures and an industrial pumping machine were also burnt. A Sany excavator was immobilised by removing its monitor and other essential parts. One pump-action gun with 14 BB cartridges was seized.
At a second site in the same area, the taskforce burnt makeshift structures and additional mining equipment. Two pump-action guns and three pumping machines were seized, along with a radiator.
Two Lingong excavators were also confiscated and transported to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement in Kumasi for safekeeping.
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 continued its operations along the Offin River, raiding illegal mining sites at Wromanso in the Amansie Central District.
The area had suffered extensive destruction of farmlands and severe pollution of the river, with vast portions of forest reserve degraded. Several deep pits abandoned by miners posed additional danger to residents.
As the taskforce approached, miners again fled the scene. The team destroyed several small and industrial pumping machines and burnt changfang machines operating on the river.
Additionally, two Sany excavators, one wheel loader, and one XCMG excavator were seized and conveyed to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement in Kumasi.
The taskforce ended Sunday’s operation at about 2100 hours, reporting that several illegal mining sites had been abandoned following its sustained presence in the area.
The NAIMOS Secretariat said it intends to deepen operations in the Ashanti Region and is seeking enhanced logistics support, including access to lowbeds, speed boats, and life jackets, to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.
