The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has escalated its efforts against illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, dismantling numerous galamsey sites and confiscating heavy machinery over the weekend.
The operations, conducted on February 14 and 15, focused on illegal mining activities in Edwinase within the Bekwai Municipality and Wromanso in the Amansie Central District along the River Offin.
On Saturday, February 14, the taskforce targeted two illegal mining sites in Edwinase. At the first location, several miners fled upon noticing the approaching vehicles of the taskforce.
The team dismantled washing plants, a motorcycle, and a tricycle discovered at the site. Numerous makeshift structures and an industrial pumping machine were also set ablaze.
A Sany excavator was rendered inoperable by removing its monitor and other critical components. One pump-action gun with 14 BB cartridges was confiscated.
At a second site in the same vicinity, the taskforce incinerated makeshift structures and additional mining equipment. Two pump-action guns and three pumping machines were seized, along with a radiator.
Two Lingong excavators were also taken and transported to the NAIMOS equipment storage facility in Kumasi for safekeeping.
In total, Saturday’s operation resulted in the confiscation of three excavators, three pump-action guns, three pumping machines, a radiator, a monitor, and 14 BB cartridges.
The following day, Sunday, February 15, the taskforce continued its operations along the Offin River, raiding illegal mining sites at Wromanso in the Amansie Central District.
The area had experienced significant destruction of farmlands and severe pollution of the river, with large areas of forest reserve degraded. Numerous deep pits left by miners posed additional risks to residents.
As the taskforce approached, miners once again fled the scene. The team destroyed several small and industrial pumping machines and set fire to changfang machines operating on the river.
Furthermore, two Sany excavators, one wheel loader, and one XCMG excavator were confiscated and transported to the NAIMOS equipment storage facility in Kumasi.
The taskforce concluded Sunday’s operation at approximately 2100 hours, indicating that numerous illegal mining sites had been vacated due to its ongoing presence in the region.
The NAIMOS Secretariat expressed its intention to intensify operations in the Ashanti Region and is pursuing improved logistical support, which includes access to lowbeds, speed boats, and life jackets, to bolster the campaign against illegal mining.
SOURCES:The Ghana Report
