NAIMOS, Blue Water guards seize 50 chanfangs, mining equipment

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has seized fifty chanfang machines and several other pieces of equipment. This equipment was used for illegal mining along the Ankobra River in the Western Region.

The special operation, which was carried out in partnership with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards on Friday, August 22, 2025, targeted illegal mining activities in the Abelebo and Akango communities within the Nzema East Municipality. The exercise was triggered by the increasing levels of environmental destruction along the river and adjoining communities, which have been severely affected by uncontrolled mining.

According to NAIMOS, the raid followed credible intelligence from local informants and the Blue Water Guards. Using drone surveillance, the task force identified several illegal mining sites where a large number of miners were actively operating. However, upon spotting the enforcement team, most of the miners fled the area, leaving their equipment behind.

During the swoop, the team seized and destroyed 50 chanfang machines, generators, polytanks, pipelines, and other tools used in the operations. Makeshift structures erected along the riverbank to shelter miners were also set ablaze.

Additionally, other items believed to have been abandoned by the miners — including refrigerators, a motorbike, PVC pipes, and excavator parts — were confiscated by the task force.

Speaking after the exercise, Joyce Asiedu, Administrator of NAIMOS, reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to tackling illegal mining through sustained operations and collaborations.

“This exercise forms part of our broader efforts to protect Ghana’s water bodies and communities from the devastating effects of illegal mining. NAIMOS remains committed to working with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards and other stakeholders to safeguard the Ankobra River and restore its ecosystem,” she stated.

Authorities have indicated that similar operations will be intensified in the coming weeks as part of broader measures to clamp down on illegal mining across the Western Region.