The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining along the Pra River, with a second sweep uncovering attempts by miners to replace equipment destroyed during an earlier operation. The latest operation targeted illegal mining sites at Tweapease and Adiemra as part of efforts to sustain the gains made during the initial raid.
At Adiemra, the team discovered that some illegal miners had already brought in new Changfan machines to replace equipment burnt by NAIMOS personnel the previous day. The soldiers retrieved one of the newly installed Changfan machines hidden in the bush, while other equipment mounted on rafts was set ablaze. This development highlights the challenge of sustaining the gains made in the fight against illegal mining.
In another section of the operation, the team found two rafts anchored deep inside mining pits, apparently making it difficult for the soldiers to reach them. One of the soldiers subsequently dived into the water and pulled a raft to shore, where it was destroyed. The repeated return of mining equipment to areas that have already been raided underscores the persistence of illegal miners.
The operation also drew attention to the impact of illegal mining on communities along the Pra River. At Anwona Mensah, the Gyaasehene, Nana Akwasi Agyei, expressed concerns about the effects of illegal mining on livelihoods in the community. Residents also showed how galamsey activities have affected the community’s only borehole, further compounding concerns over access to safe water.
The latest operation forms part of NAIMOS’ Operation Water Shield, which is targeting illegal mining activities along the Pra River. The operation is being conducted along the degraded stretches of the river in the Adansi South District, spanning parts of the Central and Ashanti regions. This effort aims to restore the river's health and prevent further environmental degradation.
The developments have also renewed calls for stronger support from local authorities to help sustain the impact of enforcement operations and prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared sites. Community members and stakeholders are urging for a collaborative approach to address the root causes of illegal mining and provide alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
The fight against illegal mining is an ongoing challenge in Ghana, with various stakeholders calling for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address the issue. As NAIMOS continues its operations, there is a growing recognition of the need for sustained efforts to protect the country's natural resources and promote responsible mining practices.
Key points
- NAIMOS has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining along the Pra River, discovering attempts by miners to replace destroyed equipment.
- The operation has highlighted the impact of illegal mining on communities along the Pra River, including concerns over access to safe water.
- The fight against illegal mining requires a collaborative approach, with stakeholders calling for stronger support from local authorities to sustain the impact of enforcement operations.
