Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat have dismantled illegal mining equipment during an operation along the Butre River in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region.
The operation took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Ewusiejo as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the country.
According to NAIMOS, the taskforce moved to the area after receiving intelligence about illegal mining activities along the river.
The operation began at about 9:15 am.
Officials said about 30 suspected illegal miners fled the scene after spotting the security team, leaving behind equipment and mining structures.
The taskforce later discovered several wooden washing platforms built along parts of the river. The structures were being used to wash mined materials directly into the water body.
The team also found a changfan machine connected to the river through long water-pumping hoses.
Preliminary investigations showed that the machine was being used to pump water from the river for mining activities while discharging polluted wastewater back into the river.
NAIMOS said the activity was contributing to the contamination of the water source.
The taskforce destroyed the changfan machine, water hoses, and all wooden washing platforms found at the site to prevent further environmental damage.
The Secretariat said it remains committed to intensifying operations against illegal mining, especially around rivers and other environmentally sensitive areas.
NAIMOS also warned individuals involved in illegal mining to stop the practice immediately, stressing that enforcement operations would continue nationwide to protect Ghana’s natural resources and water bodies.
