NAIMOS, Navy immobilise illegal mining equipment on River Offin amid armed resistance

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), supported by personnel from the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron, has returned to the River Offin in the Central Region, immobilising equipment allegedly used for illegal mining and polluting the waterbody.

The operation took place at Nipanekro in the Upper Denkyira West District, following an earlier attempt by NAIMOS to stop illegal mining activities along the river that was reportedly met with stiff resistance from Changfan operators.

In a report by JoyNews' Erastus Asare Donkor, the Navy personnel deployed an inflatable boat to cross the river and reach the opposite bank, where the mining equipment was located.

The miners were seen abandoning their rafts and fleeing as the security personnel advanced towards their operations.

The team subsequently pursued some of the operators into areas leading towards Manso Tontokrom and immobilised equipment found in and around the river.

The operation reportedly encountered another challenge when a group of suspected illegal miners began mobilising from surrounding communities.

According to the JoyNews report, drone footage showed a group gathering about two miles from the operation site, with some individuals allegedly carrying pump-action guns.

The group was said to have threatened to confront the security personnel.

NAIMOS reportedly maintained its position but exercised restraint and opted not to engage the group unless necessary. The gathering later dispersed without a confrontation.

The latest operation follows an earlier attempt to clear illegal mining activities from the River Offin, which reportedly faced resistance from Changfan operators who challenged the security personnel to cross the river.

NAIMOS Commander, Colonel S.K. Appiah, said the team intended to sustain its operations to rid the river of illegal mining activities.

The operation forms part of efforts to curb illegal mining and protect water bodies from further pollution.