GALAMSEY UPDATE: NAIMOS Destroys Illegal Mining Operations on River Pra
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has destroyed a complex network of galamsey activities on the Pra River in the Eastern Region. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, aimed to disrupt the activities of illegal miners who have been operating with impunity on the river.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the joint task force conducted an intelligence-led operation between Ofoase Awona and Nsese villages, destroying 75 dredging Changfang platforms, 50 gold washing platforms, and 150 Changfang machines. Several pipelines and water hoses connected to the Pra River were also destroyed.
The operation was carried out after personnel covered 14 kilometers on foot through cocoa plantations to access the riverbank. Approximately 50 illegal miners were encountered, but they escaped by swimming across the river.
The local population was sensitized on the dangers of illegal mining, and they applauded the NAIMOS task force for their efforts. The inhabitants urged the authorities to sustain the operations to restore their water bodies and livelihoods.
The existence of such entrenched illegal mining networks raises serious security concerns, highlighting the need to reorient and augment current administration and security arrangements in remote communities.
NAIMOS continues to lead the fight against galamsey, and this operation is a testament to their commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and environment.
