Illegal mining, or "galamsey," has long been an environmental and socio-economic scourge in Ghana, devastating rivers, forests, and communities in its wake. In a resolute demonstration of the government's commitment to combat this menace, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) recently conducted a three-day operation that yielded significant results in the Western Region.
A Coordinated Operation Against Environmental Degradation
From September 14 to September 16, NAIMOS, in collaboration with Blue Water Guards, launched a targeted crackdown on galamsey operations along the Ankobra and Bonsa rivers. These water bodies, once lifelines for local communities and ecosystems, had been transformed into polluted disaster zones by illegal mining activities.
The operation, described as "highly successful" by NAIMOS sources, resulted in the destruction of 319 makeshift structures, 103 chanfang machines, and 17 pumping machines. Additionally, over 1,000 illegal miners fled the area as the task force dismantled their strongholds. This decisive action underscores the government's renewed vigor in addressing galamsey through intelligence-led strategies.
Presidential Resolve: A Catalyst for Action
The crackdown followed President John Dramani Mahama’s media engagement on September 10, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to combat illegal mining. Rejecting calls for a state of emergency, the President emphasized that existing legal frameworks were sufficient to address the issue effectively.
President Mahama highlighted prior successes, including the repossession of nine forest reserves from illegal miners and the seizure of significant equipment such as 440 excavators, 1,400 water pumps, and 300 chanfang machines. These efforts laid the groundwork for the recent operation and signaled a shift from rhetoric to action.
Operation Highlights: A Multi-Pronged Approach
The three-day operation unfolded across multiple sites in the Western Region, each yielding critical victories against illegal mining:
1. Day One: Ashem Line Community
The task force targeted galamsey sites directly polluting the Ankobra River. The results were dramatic: 99 makeshift structures were burned, 54 chanfang machines destroyed, and essential equipment like pumping machines and generators seized.
2. Day Two: Bonsa River
In Tarkwa Nsuem Municipality, operatives discovered that illegal miners had blocked and redirected the entire river to facilitate their operations. Swift action led to the destruction of 15 chanfangs, the burning of 11 pumping machines, and the dismantling of three dredging machines.
3. Day Three: Dwira Ashem Town
The final day delivered the most significant results. More than 200 makeshift structures were razed, alongside 34 chanfangs. Items ranging from smartphones to fridges—essential logistical tools for the illegal miners—were seized. The community of over 1,000 miners was effectively dismantled.
An Environmental Victory
The operation was not only a crackdown on illegal mining but also a step toward environmental restoration. By targeting sites directly polluting major rivers like Ankobra, Birim, Pra, and Bonsa, NAIMOS sought to reverse the contamination flagged repeatedly by Ghana Water Ltd.
Sophisticated pipelines connected to river systems were dismantled, and stagnant pools created by mining operations were addressed. Even previously immobilized excavators found at Ashem Line were further disabled to ensure they could not be restored for illegal use—a testament to NAIMOS’s determination.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
While the recent operation marks a significant milestone, it is clear that sustained efforts are required to eradicate galamsey entirely. NAIMOS has demonstrated that intelligence-led approaches can yield tangible results, offering hope for the restoration of Ghana’s polluted rivers and degraded forests.
As one NAIMOS source eloquently put it: “The era of treating galamsey as an unstoppable menace is over.” This bold statement reflects a broader shift in national priorities—one that places environmental preservation and community welfare above short-term gains from illegal mining.
Conclusion
Ghana’s fight against illegal mining is far from over, but the recent crackdown serves as a beacon of hope. With continued commitment from government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders, the nation can reclaim its rivers and forests from the grip of galamsey. The message is clear: environmental degradation will no longer be tolerated, and those who exploit Ghana’s natural resources illegally will face swift and decisive action.
The success of NAIMOS’s operations is a reminder that when determination meets strategy, even long-standing challenges can be overcome. The restoration of Ghana’s ecosystems is not just an environmental imperative—it is a moral obligation to future generations.
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Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
