Video: NAIMOS Launches Coordinated Multi-Site Raids Against Illegal Mining Operations in Western Region
Coordinated dawn-to-night enforcement operations dismantle galamsey camps, destroy heavy equipment
- NAIMOS and Blue Water Guards carried out coordinated raids across Gwira Banso, Mpohor Yaabi, and Duale
- About 60 illegal miners fled operations, while heavy equipment including over 50 changfan machines
- The operations revealed severe environmental destruction, including river pollution
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, carrying out a series of coordinated raids across key riverine communities in the Western Region on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The simultaneous operations targeted entrenched galamsey networks along the Ankobra and Butre river basins, with extended night patrols reinforcing enforcement pressure into the evening hours.
Working in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, the task force executed operations across multiple locations, disrupting active mining sites, destroying equipment, and dismantling makeshift settlements used by illegal miners.
Major Operation at Gwira Banso — Ankobra River, Nzema East District
The first phase of the operation began at approximately 07:30 hours at Gwira Banso in the Nzema East District, along the banks of the Ankobra River.
Upon arrival, the task force encountered a heavily industrialized illegal mining site, where about 30 changfan machines had been mounted on improvised floating platforms. The site also featured an extensive canal system deliberately constructed to channel toxic wastewater back into the river.
Several miners fled into nearby bushes upon sighting security personnel, abandoning their equipment.
NAIMOS personnel subsequently destroyed and set ablaze all mining installations, including floating structures and machinery, effectively shutting down operations at the site by 16:48 hours.
Officials described the environmental impact as severe, warning that the contamination posed serious risks to aquatic life and downstream communities reliant on the river for domestic use.
Mpohor Yaabi Operation — Butre River, Ahanta West District
In a parallel operation conducted between 08:00 and 15:30 hours, another NAIMOS team moved into Mpohor Yaabi in the Ahanta West District, targeting illegal mining activity along a tributary of the Butre River.
About 30 illegal miners were reportedly active at the site but fled upon the arrival of the task force, abandoning equipment and structures.
Investigations revealed extensive environmental degradation, including the clearing of large sections of palm and bamboo plantations to create access routes and mining pits. The Yaabi stream had also been significantly diverted, disrupting natural water flow into the Butre River and affecting surrounding farming and domestic water supply systems.
Destroyed equipment at the site included 20 water pumping machines, 15 changfan units, industrial hoses, gold washing platforms, and multiple makeshift shelters used as living quarters. The shelters were also burned to prevent reuse.
Night Patrols at Duale — Sustained Pressure on Ankobra River
As part of an evolving enforcement strategy, NAIMOS extended operations into the night at approximately 18:30 hours in Duale, still within the Nzema East District, conducting sustained patrols along the Ankobra River.
The move comes in response to intelligence indicating that illegal miners are increasingly shifting operations to nighttime hours to evade detection. Authorities say the adjustment marks a new phase of continuous enforcement designed to deny operators any safe operating window.
Strong Warning to Illegal Mining Networks
Officials say the scale and coordination of Saturday’s operations demonstrate NAIMOS’s growing capacity and resolve to dismantle illegal mining networks across the region.
The Secretariat has pledged continuous patrols and targeted interventions across affected river systems until degraded lands and waterways are restored and fully protected.
