W/R: 50 Chanfangs, Other Galamsey Equipment Along Ankobra River Burnt

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has burnt 50 chanfang machines and other illegal mining equipment along the Ankobra River in the Western Region.

This followed an operation at the Abelebo and Akango communities in the Nzema East Municipality on August 22, 2025.

In a statement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said the raid was necessitated by the alarming rate of devastation being caused to the Ankobra River and the adjoining communities.

“Acting on credible intelligence from local informants and the Blue Water Guards, the illegal miners, who were observed in large numbers via drone footage, fled upon seeing the team.”

The changfans, polytanks, generators, and pipelines were set ablaze, as well as several makeshift structures erected along the course of the River Ankobra that were used as shelters by the illegal miners.

Among the seized equipment and items were refrigerators, a motorbike, PVC pipes, and excavator parts that had been left behind.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/