By Lawrence Odoom
THE NATIONAL Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a major operation against illegal mining activities on the Pra River in the Eastern Region, dismantling a large galamsey network and destroying equipment used to pollute the river.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources from the harmful effects of illegal mining.
A joint task force made up of NAIMOS personnel and the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards conducted an intelligence-led raid along the Pra River, between Ofoase Awona and Nsese villages. The target was a well-organised group of illegal miners whose activities have severely polluted the river and disrupted water treatment operations in the area.
According to a NAIMOS official, the agency remains determined to end galamsey operations across the country. “We will not rest until our water bodies are free from the scourge of galamsey,” the official said.
As the task force moved through dense cocoa farms to reach the riverbank, they encountered extensive environmental destruction. About 50 illegal miners, who were actively working at the site, fled upon seeing the security personnel.
The task force destroyed a large number of illegal mining equipment, including 75 dredging Changfang platforms, 50 gold washing platforms, and 150 Changfang machines, which were burnt on the riverbed. Several pipelines and water hoses drawing water directly from the Pra River were also destroyed.
Following the operation, NAIMOS officials engaged members of the local community to educate them on the dangers of illegal mining and its impact on the environment and public health. Residents welcomed the intervention and appealed to authorities to sustain the operations to help restore their water sources and livelihoods.
A community leader raised concerns about the security risks posed by entrenched illegal mining networks in remote areas, stressing the need for stronger security presence and administrative reforms to prevent the return of galamsey operators.
As NAIMOS continues its nationwide fight against illegal mining, residents of the Eastern Region and other affected areas are hopeful that sustained enforcement will lead to the restoration of their rivers and protect the environment for future generations.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
