NAIMOS Destroys 86 Chanfang Machines on Ankobra River

• The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining along Ghana's Ankobra River.
• A recent operation, reported on August 25, 2026, resulted in the destruction of 86 chanfang machines, 11 water pumps, and two makeshift structures in the Ellembelle District.
• Three suspected illegal miners were arrested during the operation and handed over to Police in Axim for further investigation.
• The Ankobra River, a major Ghanaian water body, has suffered severe pollution from illegal mining for years, with turbidity levels worsening significantly since 2022.
• NAIMOS, supported by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), aims to reduce illegal mining capacity by systematically removing and scrapping equipment from the waterway.

Operational commanders are confident that this systematic destruction of equipment will substantially diminish the ability of illegal miners to conduct their operations.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has recently escalated its efforts against illicit mining activities that pose a severe threat to the integrity of the Ankobra River in Ghana's Western Region. This intensified operation, reported on August 25, 2026, specifically targeted illegal mining sites situated within the Ablebo General Area of the Ellembelle District. The objective was to dismantle ongoing "galamsey" operations and remove their infrastructure from the vital waterway, marking a significant "galamsey crackdown Ghana" initiative.

During this recent push, NAIMOS personnel successfully destroyed a significant amount of equipment directly linked to illegal mining. The operation led to the destruction of 86 "chanfang" machines, which are commonly used in riverbed mining, along with 11 water pumps and two makeshift structures that supported these illicit activities. Furthermore, the crackdown resulted in the apprehension of three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining. These suspects were subsequently transferred to the Police in Axim for thorough investigation, signaling a commitment to legal prosecution alongside operational disruption. The strategic destruction of these "chanfang" machines on the Ankobra River underscores NAIMOS's resolve to curb environmental degradation.

The Ankobra River, recognized as one of Ghana's principal water bodies, has endured years of severe pollution primarily due to widespread illegal mining. This environmental degradation has reached critical levels, with pollution indicators showing a marked worsening trend since 2022. Turbidity, a key measure of water clarity, has been recorded in the thousands, illustrating the profound impact of these activities on the river's ecosystem and its ability to sustain life.

Despite numerous prior enforcement actions and repeated raids by authorities, illegal miners have persistently managed to re-establish operations along various stretches of the Ankobra River. This ongoing challenge highlights the deep-rooted nature of the problem and the continuous need for robust and sustained intervention. The current "illegal mining Ankobra River" situation necessitates a comprehensive approach to both deter new operations and dismantle existing ones effectively.

In response to the persistent threat, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has significantly ramped up its operational intensity. The core strategy involves not only dismantling illegal mining sites but also systematically removing all associated equipment from the waterway. This approach aims to cripple the operational capacity of illegal miners, thereby making it exceedingly difficult for them to continue their destructive activities in the affected areas of the Ellembelle District, particularly targeting "Ellembelle District illegal mining" operations.

A key component of this strategy involves collaboration with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC). With GIISDEC's support, NAIMOS is actively engaged in removing floating mining equipment, which is then repurposed as scrap material. Operational commanders are confident that this systematic destruction of equipment will substantially diminish the ability of illegal miners to conduct their operations. Ultimately, these intensified efforts are designed to facilitate the comprehensive removal of all mining infrastructure from the critical Ankobra River corridor, paving the way for environmental recovery.

This intensified crackdown by NAIMOS signals a heightened enforcement environment for illegal mining in Ghana, particularly around the Ankobra River. Lawyers advising clients in the mining or environmental sectors should proactively review compliance frameworks and operational licenses to mitigate increased regulatory and operational risks.

Source: Original reporting via Erastus Asare Donkor