The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in collaboration with the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, has dismantled a large-scale illegal mining network along the Pra River in the Eastern Region, destroying dozens of platforms and equipment used to pollute the river.
The intelligence-driven operation, carried out on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, targeted illegal mining activities between Ofoase Awona and Nsese in the Akyemansa District. NAIMOS said the mission was conducted under strict secrecy to verify reports of entrenched galamsey operations that have heavily polluted the Pra River and disrupted nearby water treatment plants.
The joint task force trekked about 14 kilometres on foot through cocoa farms to reach the riverbank, where they found roughly 50 illegal miners actively working in the river. The miners fled across the river to evade arrest, while the task force dismantled all mining infrastructure at the site.
In total, the operation destroyed:
- 75 dredging Changfang platforms
- 50 gold-washing platforms
- 150 Changfang machines on the riverbed
- Numerous pipelines and water hoses directly connected to the river
Following the operation, NAIMOS engaged local residents, educating them on the environmental, health, and livelihood dangers posed by illegal mining. Residents welcomed the intervention and called for continued enforcement to help restore the Pra River and safeguard their communities.
NAIMOS expressed concern that such well-organized illegal mining networks continue to operate openly, despite the presence of local security and administrative authorities. The Secretariat urged a review and strengthening of security arrangements in remote communities to prevent further exploitation of Ghana’s water bodies.