NAIMOS’ sustained operations in all galamsey prone regions across the country continues to disrupt the illicit activities of illegal miners. On Saturday, 17 January, operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted an operation at two illegal mining sites operated by Chinese nationals at Mensah-Krom, Wassa Akropong, in the Western Region.

The task force deployed to the town swiftly based in intelligence they received whiles operating in the Region. Upon arrival at the first site, the task force observed two excavators actively engaged in illegal mining activities. On sighting the task force, two (2) Chinese nationals and five (5) local miners fled through nearby bushes, abandoning their mining equipment. A thorough search was conducted in the surrounding bushes; however, none of the suspects were found and apprehended.

The task force subsequently immobilized the two (2) excavators by detaching one (1) control board from each machine, as well as removing two (2) oil pumps, thereby rendering them inoperable. No monitors were found on the machines at the site. Additionally, two industrial water pumping machines, gold-trapping carpets, and water hoses were found and set ablaze at the site.

The illegal mining activities had caused severe environmental degradation, including the destruction of arable farmlands and palm plantations. The operations had also endangered a third-class road, as mining activities were carried out approximately three (3) meters from the road.

The task force later advanced to another illegal mining site belonging to different Chinese nationals, located a few kilometers from the first site. Fresh excavator tracks were observed, indicating recent illegal mining activities. The team traced the tracks over a considerable distance but could not locate the machines. A local source confirmed that two excavators were operating at the site as of 1030 hours but were moved to an unknown location after the miners received information about the task force’s impending arrival.

Personal belongings and makeshift structures found at the site were dismantled and set ablaze.

NAIMOS intends to sustain the operation at Wassa Akropong which one of the hotspots of illegal mining in the Western Region.