Illegal Miners Block Ankobra River Tributary

Illegal miners have blocked the Kamei Stream, a tributary of the Ankobra River.

This was discovered by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force, in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards during a sweeping riverine operation along the Ankobra River.

According to the NAIMOS, blockage was to aid their illegal mining operations.

“The Task Force successfully reopened the waterway and destroyed over 50 pumping machines found at a nearby repair shop, rendering them unserviceable,” it reported in a statement.

It said the operation, which spanned nearly 10 kilometres from Gwira Eshiam to Anyinase, uncovered massive illegal mining activities, particularly at “Cocoa Ase” in Gwira Banso where miners were dredging the riverbed.

The joint team however failed to make any arrest.

“The culprits, upon spotting the Task Force, fled the scene, abandoning equipment and makeshift structures used for their illicit operations.”

The taskforce went on to burn over 100 makeshift shelters, seven Chanfang machines, and seized an assortment of mining tools including 23 water pumping machines, gas cylinders, shovels, and even a DStv dish.

A Hyundai excavator discovered at Abrodiem was also immobilized after its pump and gear lever were removed, it reported.

NAIMOS cautioned all illegal miners to vacate the Ankobra River and its adjoining areas immediately.

“This operation is just the beginning,” an official stated. “We will not relent in our mission to protect Ghana’s environment and water resources from further degradation.”

It has also reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the integrity of Ghana’s rivers and safeguarding livelihoods that depend on them.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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