NAIMOS destroys 92 illegal mining machines on River Tano

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has destroyed 92 chanfang machines along the River Tano at Asemkrom in the Western North Region over a four-day period.

The enforcement action, part of ‘Operation WATER SHIELD’, began on October 15 with the destruction of 61 machines and the seizure of water pumps and a generator. Following reports that illegal miners had returned to the river, a follow-up patrol on October 18 destroyed an additional 31 machines and seized two outboard motors.

NAIMOS reported that persistent in-stream mining has caused heavy turbidity and environmental degradation, threatening the nearby Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve and local communities. The Secretariat stated that the rapid reoccupation of sites by miners highlights the necessity for sustained patrols and continuous enforcement to protect strategic water bodies.