The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, dismantling multiple galamsey sites and seizing heavy equipment over the weekend.
The operations, carried out on February 14 and 15, targeted illegal mining activities in Edwinase in the Bekwai Municipality and Wromanso in the Amansie Central District along the River Offin.
On Saturday, February 14, the taskforce raided two illegal mining sites at Edwinase. At the first site, several miners fled upon seeing the approaching vehicles of the taskforce.
The team destroyed washing plants, a motorcycle, and a tricycle found at the site. Several makeshift structures and an industrial pumping machine were also burnt.
A Sany excavator was immobilised by removing its monitor and other essential parts. One pump-action gun with 14 BB cartridges was seized.
At a second site in the same area, the taskforce burnt makeshift structures and additional mining equipment. Two pump-action guns and three pumping machines were seized, along with a radiator.
Two Lingong excavators were also confiscated and transported to the NAIMOS equipment lodgement in Kumasi for safekeeping.
In total, Saturday’s operation led to the seizure of three excavators, three pump action guns, three pumping machines, a radiator, a monitor, and 14 BB cartridges.
The following day, Sunday, February 15, the taskforce continued its operations along the Offin River, raiding illegal mining sites at Wromanso in the Amansie Central District.
