NAIMOS destroys 92 mining machines on Tano River

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has destroyed 92 chanfang machines during a four-day crackdown on illegal mining along the Tano River in the Western North Region. The operations took place at Asemkrom in the Aowin District, specifically targeting activities near the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve.

The first operation on October 15 resulted in the destruction of 61 machines and the seizure of six water pumps and a generator, alongside the arrest of three suspected operators. Despite this, follow-up patrols on October 18 found that miners had returned to the river. This second phase led to the destruction of an additional 31 machines and the seizure of two outboard motors.

NAIMOS reported that in-stream mining has significantly increased river turbidity and caused visible environmental degradation. The secretariat warned that these activities threaten the surrounding forest and local communities. Moving forward, NAIMOS plans to maintain enforcement operations and increase community engagement to prevent the reoccupation of cleared sites.