Year-long NAIMOS patrols clear Ankobra River of galamsey operators – Lands minister

The Ankobra River has been cleared of thousands of illegal mining operations after a year of sustained patrols, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. He made this announcement following a 16-kilometre patrol of the river by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and Navy Special Forces, from Dominase to Gwira Banso in the Western Region.

This patrol took place almost exactly a year after Buah's first inspection in September 2025, when illegal mining was still visible along the riverbanks. During the recent patrol, all Changfan machines and illegal mining operators were found to be gone, indicating a significant progress in the fight against galamsey.

Buah emphasized that the clear results demonstrate that the country is turning the corner in combating illegal mining. He highlighted the use of more intelligence-led operations and increased focus on these activities, noting that the positive outcomes are evident. When asked about concerns that pollution of the Ankobra River was worsening, Buah stated that his observations during the patrol did not support such a viewpoint.

However, he added that continued operations are necessary to ensure full recovery of the river and to maintain the gains made so far.

Colonel K.S. Appiah, the Director of Operations at NAIMOS, provided further details on the Secretariat's intensified efforts in the Western Region. Over the past two months, his 130-man team conducted special operations in six districts, with a significant portion, 11 out of 19, focused on the Ankobra River. These operations resulted in the successful clearance of galamsey activities, destruction of mining equipment, and arrests of several operators, underscoring the Secretariat's commitment to addressing illegal mining in the region.