The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has destroyed more than 90 illegal mining machines during a five-day operation in the Wassa Amenfi Central District of the Western Region.
The enforcement exercise, which took place between May 23 and May 27, 2026, targeted illegal mining hotspots including Dominase, Jedua, Ankasie, Agona, and Kwaben.
According to NAiMOS, the operation uncovered widespread environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities, including damaged forests, polluted rivers, and dangerous abandoned pits.
At Dominase, more than 100 suspected illegal miners reportedly fled when the task force arrived. Three excavators were immobilised, 25 changfan machines were destroyed, and several temporary structures were burnt. Authorities also seized fuel, machine parts, and a motorbike.
In Jedua, operatives found illegal miners working within the concession of a mining company. Although the miners escaped, excavators were immobilised, and equipment used for the operation was destroyed.
The Ankasie area recorded some of the worst environmental damage. Task force members discovered extensive forest destruction and deep water-filled pits left behind by miners. During a search of the site, two pump-action guns and 14 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
More than 30 changfan machines and several engines were destroyed at the location.
At Agona, authorities dismantled over 20 changfan machines after uncovering extensive illegal mining activities.
In Kwaben, about 50 miners fled upon the arrival of the task force, leaving behind equipment that was later destroyed.
NAiMOS also raised concerns over the pollution of the River Samire and River Tano. The agency said illegal miners had built wooden washing platforms along the rivers and were discharging contaminated water directly into them.
According to the secretariat, the pollution has made parts of the rivers unsafe for human use and harmful to aquatic life.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources from further destruction.
