The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has destroyed about 80 changfan machines that illegal miners were using directly on the River Offin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.
During the operation, the team also found excavators and other heavy equipment working close to the riverbanks. Many of these machines were dumping mining waste straight into the river, worsening pollution and environmental damage.
The Association expressed deep concern about the continued destruction of the River Offin. It warned that illegal mining activities threaten the country’s water resources and the environment.
Speaking to journalists, the Director of Operations of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, Philip Bawa Ajamujobe, said, “We have observed massive destruction of our river bodies, particularly the River Offin, where we have acted before and today [June 19]. We have destroyed about 80 changfan platforms mining in the river bodies.”
The Association explained that it is funding the operation with its own resources.
Through this initiative, it aims to protect its legitimate mining business while supporting government efforts to fight illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and preserve Ghana’s water bodies.
Mr. Ajamujobe said the operation was launched in response to growing public concerns about pollution and the rapid deterioration of rivers in mining communities.
According to him, the exercise began at Adiembra on the River Offin near the bridge leading to Nyinahin. The team then moved through Agogoso, Ntobroso, Enyinam, and Akumfere before ending the operation at Tobroso.
He added that the exercise would continue in the coming days because the team could not cover all affected areas within the available time.
Mr. Ajamujobe described the level of destruction along the River Offin as alarming. He said the team witnessed extensive environmental damage throughout the operation.
He warned illegal miners to stop activities that destroy rivers and damage the reputation of responsible small-scale miners. “We will not spare anybody when found,” he cautioned. He also called on traditional leaders in affected communities to take firm action against those involved in illegal mining.
Mr. Ajamujobe raised particular concern about conditions in Tobroso. He revealed that mining activities had contributed to flooding in parts of the community after affecting the natural flow of the river.
He questioned whether local authorities and traditional leaders were doing enough to address the situation. According to him, the scale of the destruction is too severe for anyone in the community to overlook.
The River Offin remains an important source of water for domestic use, industry, and agriculture. However, continuous illegal mining activities continue to place the river under serious pressure, leading to renewed calls for stronger measures to protect it.
Meanwhile, some illegal miners reportedly ran into nearby forests when they saw the anti-galamsey taskforce approaching the river. Others continued operating excavators along the River Offin and further polluted what was once a clean and thriving water body.
