The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) on Thursday, April 23 conducted a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation along the third class road from Akango to Duale in the Nzema East District of the Western Region.
The operation was targeted at the dismantling of reckless illegal mining activities observed.
Acting on credible information, the taskforce advanced to one notorious illegal mining site where extensive damage to the natural landscape was observed.
A significant stretch of land approximately 10 meters from the roadside had been heavily degraded, with some obvious signs of unregulated excavation dangerously close to the roadway.
Upon the taskforce’s arrival, the illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning substantial quantities of equipment, including over 40 chanfang machines and several water pumping hoses.
In line with established operational procedures aimed at preventing the reuse of such equipment, the taskforce destroyed all recovered chanfang machines and incinerated the water pumping hoses on site.
The team also destroyed several makeshift structures and other illegal mining materials found at the site.
Further assessment conducted a few meters along the road revealed an even more alarming situation.
The team identified a large, hazardous pit created by ongoing illegal mining activities dangerously close to the main road.
The deep excavation posed serious threat to motorists, pedestrians, and nearby communities, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to avert potential accidents and further environmental harm.
In the course of the operation, two individuals appeared, claiming ownership of the galamsey setup.
Identifying themselves as Eric Badu and Patrick Kablerah, the two were apprehended at the site.
Their vehicle, a Honda CR-V with registration number DV A6894, used to facilitate the reckless excavation works and related illegal mining operations, was seized.
It was obvious from observation and preliminary inspection of the area that the activities and actions of the two suspects apprehended had significantly contributed to degradation of vast lands, environmental pollution, and the obstruction of the public roadway.
They have since been handed over to the Essiema Police Station for further investigations and subsequent prosecution.
The items retrieved and seized during the operation include: two plant generators, the Honda CR-V vehicle, an amount of GH¢14,000.
NAIMOS reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining activities across the country.
The Secretariat has promised to continue to work in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to help protect Ghana’s natural resources, ensure public safety, and enforce compliance with environmental regulations.