Ghana agency removes 92 mining units from Tano River in rapid crackdown

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, commonly referred to as NAIMOS, eliminated 92 chanfang machines from the Tano River in Ghana’s Western North Region within a four-day window. MyJoyOnline reported that these enforcement actions occurred in the Aowin District at Asemkrom, targeting persistent illegal mining operations that had survived earlier interventions. The secretariat focused its efforts on the river and its immediate vicinity, where mining platforms had been set up directly on the water surface.

The first phase of the operation began on October 15, concentrating on areas near the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve. During this initial exercise, NAIMOS personnel destroyed 61 chanfang machines and recovered six water pumps along with a generator. Three suspected operators were detained and transferred to police for further inquiry. Yet, follow-up patrols on October 18 showed that miners had returned to sections of the river, re-establishing platforms and operating machines directly on the water.

In response to this reoccupation, NAIMOS eliminated another 31 chanfang machines and captured two outboard motors associated with the mining activities. In a statement dated October 18, the secretariat noted that the return of miners highlighted the need for sustained patrols to stop cleared sites from being reoccupied. The agency expressed concern over the environmental impact, specifically pointing to increased river turbidity and visible degradation along affected sections. MyJoyOnline reported that NAIMOS warned these activities threatened the nearby forest environment and local communities relying on the river system.

These operations form part of Operation WATER SHIELD, a campaign designed to protect Ghana’s strategic water bodies by limiting miner access to rivers and riverbanks. The initiative involves dismantling mining infrastructure and stopping illegal activities from resuming in cleared areas. NAIMOS stated it would continue enforcement along the Tano River and other identified hotspots while deepening engagement with local communities to reduce illegal mining participation and prompt residents to report suspicious activities.