Operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have carried out another major crackdown on illegal mining activities along the Butre River at Ewusiejo in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, destroying several mining installations and equipment used in galamsey operations.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, forms part of intensified nationwide efforts by the government to protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves from the devastating impact of illegal mining activities.
According to NAIMOS, the intelligence-led operation began around 9:15 a.m. after reports identified the Butre River enclave as an active illegal mining hotspot.
Upon arriving at the scene, task force personnel reportedly encountered about 30 suspected illegal miners operating along the riverbanks.
However, the suspects fled into nearby bushes and surrounding areas immediately after spotting the approaching security team, abandoning several machines, pumping systems, and makeshift structures used for the illegal operations.
A search conducted by the task force revealed a fully operational illegal mining setup, including changfan machines mounted on wooden washing platforms directly within the river.
Investigators also discovered extended water-pumping hose systems allegedly being used to draw water from the Butre River for mineral washing activities before discharging polluted wastewater back into the river body.
Officials noted that the operation exposed significant environmental destruction within the area, with portions of the river heavily disturbed by sediment deposits and mining residue believed to have resulted from continuous illegal activities.
In line with operational protocols, NAIMOS personnel dismantled and destroyed all identified changfan machines, water-pumping hoses, and wooden washing platforms found at the scene to prevent the illegal miners from returning to resume activities.
NAIMOS has meanwhile reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement operations against illegal mining groups operating along major river bodies across the country.
“No protected area is beyond our reach, and no illegal operator is beyond accountability,” a senior task force official reportedly stated during earlier operations in the Western Region.
Authorities say surveillance and patrols along the Butre River and other affected water bodies will continue as the government intensifies efforts to combat galamsey and restore degraded environments nationwide.
