Together with the Blue Water Guards, members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have stepped up riverine patrols along the Ankobra River, significantly disrupting illicit mining operations at Dominase in the Western Region.
As part of continuous efforts to safeguard water bodies and curb galamsey operations, the operation was conducted on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 07:15 to 15:40. It encompassed the area between Gwira Banso and Dominase.
When compared to earlier patrols, the team saw a significant decrease in illicit mining activity at Gwira Banso, which development officials credit to the area’s ongoing security and enforcement presence.
But the situation at Dominase was more worrisome since the patrol crew found suspicious activities near the river.
A comprehensive search of the area was prompted by reports that roughly twenty people fled into the river and surrounding bushes as the task group approached.
Authorities later found that the suspects were rebuilding and reinstalling six changfan machines on an abandoned floating platform, seemingly preparing to restart mining activities during nighttime operations.
Additionally, it was discovered that makeshift washing facilities were being rebuilt for new illicit activities.
Following enforcement procedures, the task force rendered the floating platform useless to prevent its reuse and disabled and destroyed all six changfan machines, including submerged equipment.
Officials said the operation has seriously hampered attempts to resume illicit mining in the region, even though the suspects managed to evade capture.
In order to stop additional environmental harm, NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards have reiterated their commitment to ongoing patrols and monitoring along the Ankobra River.
