Densu River dredging machine destroyed by military

Military officers destroyed a Changfan dredging machine on the Densu River at Tetegu, near Weija, on September 4, 2026. The incident has sparked a dispute regarding whether the activity was legitimate flood control or illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

Wilfred Ayitey Blankson, the Presiding Member of the Weija Gbawe Municipal Assembly and Assembly Member for the Weija Electoral Area, stated that the dredging had the full knowledge and approval of the Assembly. He explained that private entities were engaged to remove accumulated silt to reduce flooding risks for communities along the river, particularly during heavy rains or when the Weija Dam spills over.

As of the report, the Ghana Armed Forces and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat (NAIMOS) have not released an official statement explaining the specific operation at Tetegu.