Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, says the government is making real progress in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking about a recent operation, he said, “The tide is turning in our relentless fight against illegal mining. NAIMOS, working with the Blue Water Guards, has dealt a strong blow to criminal groups in the Western Region.”
He explained that a coordinated 48-hour crackdown was carried out over the weekend in areas around the Ankobra River, Tarkwa Nsuaem, and Wassa Akropong districts.
“Our team moved in and dismantled their operations,” he said. “We destroyed more than 80 chanfan machines and over 50 makeshift boats on the Ankobra River.”
The minister added that foreign nationals involved in the illegal mining were arrested. Excavators and pumping machines used at illegal sites on land were also disabled.
“These actions have stopped immediate pollution of our rivers,” Buah stated. “We have also protected farmlands, the environment, and public infrastructure from further damage.”
He stressed that the work will not end there.
“NAIMOS is setting up a permanent presence in these areas,” he said. “This is to make sure we secure the gains we have made and protect these natural resources for the future of Ghana.”
