NAIMOS Fights ‘Galamseyers’ On Offin River
Some chanfang machines on River Offin The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has embarked on an operation to remove chanfang machines from the River Offin and disrupt illegal Read More... The post NAIMOS Fights ‘Galamseyers’ On Offin River appeared first on DailyGuide Network .
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has initiated a campaign to dismantle chanfang machines from the River Offin and curb illegal mining practices, known as 'galamsey'. Dubbed 'Water Shield', the operation received support from the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and other security forces. During a recent patrol from Bedaabour to Beposo, the team seized six mining sites near the riverbank and dismantled equipment found there.
Four floating chanfang platforms that were operating directly on the river were also destroyed. The patrol team also spotted about 45 abandoned floating chanfang platforms along the route. These chanfang machines, pumps, and related equipment were removed before the task force arrived, indicating that the operators had left the river in anticipation of the persistent security presence.
According to NAIMOS, within just four days of continuous operations, illegal miners seem to be removing equipment from sections of the River Offin. The organization believes that awareness of the riverine force's continuous presence, especially the SBS patrol capability, may be causing illegal miners to abandon platforms prior to enforcement teams arriving.
"The SBS plays a key role by providing the riverine capability needed to reach mining platforms and other locations that are difficult to access from land," the statement explained. The objective of the operation is to clear floating chanfang platforms from the river, remove the opportunity for illegal miners to operate on the water, and stop them from simply moving to other areas when pressure is applied.
The statement added that Operation Water Shield will also target mining sites along the riverbanks whose activities cause pollution, sedimentation, and degradation of the River Offin. NAIMOS stressed that patrols will keep going, abandoned platforms will be cleared, and illegal mining sites affecting the river will continue to be enforcement targets.
"NAIMOS remains committed to restoring effective protection of the River Offin and ensuring that areas cleared during the operation are not reoccupied by illegal miners," the statement concluded.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Guide Network's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
