The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reported a significant reduction in the number of changfans operating on the Tano River, following sustained anti-illegal mining operations. According to NAIMOS Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the development was observed during a recent visit to the river by a team of 15 journalists who joined NAIMOS officials to assess the impact of Operation Water Shield.
The journalists had the opportunity to independently observe and verify progress made by the task force in tackling illegal mining on the river. The visit was part of efforts to assess the effectiveness of Operation Water Shield, which is being aggressively implemented by NAIMOS. The operation aims to combat illegal mining and restore degraded water bodies.
NAIMOS Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, attributed the reduction in the number of changfans to sustained operations led by NAIMOS and its Director of Operations, Colonel K. S. Appiah. He stated that the reduction is a crucial development in the fight against illegal mining, which has been a major challenge for Ghana's water bodies.
However, Schandorf cautioned that removing hundreds of changfans from the river does not immediately restore its water quality. He described the intervention as an important first step towards reclaiming the water body. The process of restoring the river to its natural condition will require further interventions and sustained efforts.
NAIMOS is expected to maintain surveillance on the Tano River and other critical water sources as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and restore degraded water bodies. The organization will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the government's vision of restoring Ghana's water bodies to their natural conditions is achieved.
Further interventions will be undertaken under the leadership of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to support the government's vision. The minister has been leading efforts to restore Ghana's water bodies, which have been degraded due to illegal mining activities.
The reduction in changfans on the Tano River is a significant achievement for Operation Water Shield, which was launched to combat illegal mining in Ghana. The operation has been making progress in tackling the menace, and the reduction in changfans is a testament to the effectiveness of the operation.
Key points
- Operation Water Shield has led to a significant reduction in changfans on the Tano River.
- The reduction in changfans is a crucial step towards restoring the river to its natural condition.
- NAIMOS will maintain surveillance on the Tano River and other critical water sources to combat illegal mining.
