A/R: NAIMOS Taskforce Sanitises Edwinase and Wromanso
In a series of operations conducted over the weekend, the National Anti -Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says mining sites at Edwinase and Wromanso in the Ashanti Region have been sanitised.
It reports that two illegal mining sites were raided on February 14 at Edwinase in the Bekwai municipality.
“At the first site raided, the team saw several illegal miners actively mining, who took to their heels upon seeing the approaching vehicles of the taskforce,” a statement by the Office reported on Monday.
The Task force destroyed some washing plants, a motorcycle and a tricycle found at the site, while several makeshift structures and one industrial pumping machine were also burnt at the site.
In addition, a Sany excavator was immobilised by removing its monitor and other parts, and a pump-action gun with 14 x BB cartridges was sized.
At the second site, the team burnt several makeshift structures and other mining equipment and seized two pump-action guns, three pumping machines, a radiator, and two Lingong excavators, which were transported to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement in Kumasi for safekeeping.
Wromanso Raid
In Wromanso in the Amansie Central District on February 15, the task force targeted illegal mining sites along the River Offin.
It observed massive destruction of farmlands, severe pollution of the river and degradation of vast portions of the forest reserve.
“Several deep holes and pits had been dug and abandoned by the illegal miners, further endangering the lives of everyone in the area.”
The task force destroyed several pieces of mining equipment found at the site, including small and industrial pumping machines and several changfang machines on the Offin River.
Additionally, the Taskforce seized two Sany excavators, one wheel loader and one XCMG excavator.
“The seized items have since been conveyed to the NAIMOS equipment lodgment in Kumasi for keeping.”
The NAIMOS Secretariat intends to deepen the operations in the Ashanti Region, hoping that its logistics capabilities in terms of access to lowbeds, speed boats, and life jackets, among others would be enhanced.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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