Ghana reports seizure of more than 3,000 machines used for illegal mining
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reported government progress in combating illegal mining as part of Operation Water Shield. During an inspection of a 16-kilometre stretch of the Ankobra River near Dominase in the Western Region, he said that more than 3,000 machines used for illegal mining had been removed from major rivers and 237 suspects had been detained.
According to MyJoyOnline, 144 foreigners are among those detained. The minister said the equipment was removed from the Ankobra, Birim and other designated water bodies. Authorities also plan to counter networks and groups that facilitate illegal mining.
Permanent river patrols
The operation involves the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a special boat unit and the Blue Water Guards. During the minister’s visit, security personnel conducted continuous patrols of designated sections of the Ankobra.
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Buah said the shift from isolated raids to the permanent deployment of forces is already producing results. He referred to the condition of the Ankobra, which had previously been heavily polluted and difficult to navigate. According to the minister, boats can now pass along the inspected section of the river.
The operation is planned to expand
NAIMOS Director of Operations Colonel K. S. Appiah said the operation began on the Birim River at the end of July, after which forces moved to the Ankobra. By the end of the year, the Tano and Ofin rivers are expected to become the operation’s next targets.
According to Appiah, inspections will also cover mining sites whose activities, in the security forces’ assessment, harm water bodies, regardless of whether operators hold licences. Security teams also intend to identify underground tunnels built by illegal miners in order to hinder their activities.
