The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Nzema-East Blue Water Guards, has launched a large-scale operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey along the Ankobra River in the Western Region of Ghana.
The operation, which commenced on January 2, 2026, targeted makeshift mining rafts and other equipment used in illegal mining along the river, resulting in the destruction of several floating platforms and excavation machinery.
As part of the joint task force’s efforts, key hotspots along the Ankobra River were raided, with illegal mining structures set ablaze and heavy equipment immobilized.
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The crackdown is part of the government’s ongoing fight to protect Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources from environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
Images from the scene show thick plumes of smoke rising as wooden mining rafts were torched.
Excavators and barrels of fuel used in mining operations were also discovered and dismantled.
According to officials, the raid was intelligence-led and aims to deter further illegal operations in the region.
NAIMOS emphasized the urgency of safeguarding critical water bodies like the Ankobra River, which has suffered severe pollution due to the uncontrolled activities of illegal miners.
Authorities have assured the public that the operation will be sustained in coming weeks, with efforts being made to track down and prosecute individuals and groups behind the illegal mining networks.
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The public has been encouraged to report suspicious activities around water bodies to help protect the environment and secure the livelihoods of affected communities.