A joint anti-galamsey operation has been conducted on and along the Ankobra River, resulting in the destruction of illegal mining equipment and makeshift structures. The operation was carried out on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, by the National Inter-Ministerial Offensive on Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force, in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council, the Western Naval Command, and the Nzema East Blue Water Guards.
The coordinated raid took place in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, covering the area from Dwira Ashem to Akango. The NAIMOS Task Force and the Blue Water Guards patrolled and demolished structures along the riverbanks, while the Western Regional Security operatives and the Western Naval Command cleared illegal activities directly on the river itself. This is part of a series of intermittent joint raids that the NAIMOS Task Force has been leading over the past three weeks to combat galamsey in the area.
The well-coordinated operation led to the seizure and destruction of various items used in illegal mining. A total of 20 makeshift structures were burned, and 10 dredging platforms and 20 “chanfangs,” or floating excavators, were destroyed. Additionally, authorities seized 4 motorbikes, 15 pumping machines, and 2 solar panels.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of some domestic items, including a standing fan, a TV set, and 3 gas cylinders. The government has affirmed its commitment to continuing these joint raids to ensure all forms of galamsey activities are eradicated from the Ankobra River and its surrounding areas.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
