Some chanfang machines on River Offin
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has embarked on an operation to remove chanfang machines from the River Offin and disrupt illegal mining activities, also called ‘galamsey’, that directly affect the river and its banks.
The operation, codenamed ‘Water Shield’, was supported by the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and other security elements.
During the latest riverine patrol from Bedaabour to Beposo, the task force raided six illegal mining sites near the riverbanks and destroyed equipment found there.
Four floating chanfang platforms operating directly on the river were also destroyed.
The patrol team observed approximately 45 additional floating chanfang platforms abandoned along the route.
The chanfang machines, pumps, and other associated equipment were removed from the platforms before the task force arrived, suggesting operators vacated the river ahead of the sustained security presence.
According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, within just four days of sustained operations, illegal miners appear to be withdrawing equipment from sections of the River Offin.
NAIMOS assessed that awareness of the riverine force’s continued presence, particularly the SBS patrol capability, may be prompting illegal miners to abandon platforms before enforcement teams reach them.
“The SBS plays a key role by providing the riverine capability needed to reach mining platforms and other locations that are difficult to access from land,” the statement noted.
It added that the objective is to systematically clear floating chanfang platforms from the river, deny illegal miners freedom to operate on the water, and prevent them from simply relocating to other sections when pressure is applied.
The statement indicated that Operation Water Shield will also target mining sites along the riverbanks whose activities contribute to pollution, sedimentation, and degradation of the River Offin.
NAIMOS emphasised that patrols will continue, abandoned platforms will be cleared, and illegal mining sites affecting the river will remain targets for enforcement action.
“NAIMOS remains committed to restoring effective protection of the River Offin and ensuring that areas cleared during the operation are not reoccupied by illegal miners,” the statement pointed out.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi