NAIMOS Destroys Large-Scale Galamsey Operations on River Pra

 NAIMOS Destroys Large-Scale Galamsey Operations on River Pra

Eastern Region, February 3, 2026

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has uncovered and destroyed a complex network of illegal mining activities along the Pra River in the Eastern Region.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., personnel of NAIMOS, in collaboration with the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, carried out an intelligence-led operation to clamp down on galamsey activities on and along the Pra River. The operation took place between Ofoase Awona and Nsese communities in the Akyemansa District.

The operation, which was conducted under tight security, aimed to disrupt ongoing illegal mining activities and destroy equipment used by the miners. These activities have heavily polluted the Pra River and contributed to the shutdown of some water treatment plants.

The task force began its operation from Akyem Ofoase Awona and trekked about 14 kilometres through cocoa farms to reach the riverbank. Upon arrival, the team encountered about 50 illegal miners actively mining on the river. The miners fled by swimming across the river towards Nsese upon seeing the task force.

The joint team dismantled and destroyed all mining equipment found at the site. In total, 75 dredging Changfang platforms and 50 gold washing platforms were destroyed. Additionally, 150 Changfang machines found on the riverbed were burnt. Several pipelines and water hoses connected directly to the Pra River were also destroyed.

After the operation, the task force engaged residents of the affected communities and educated them on the health and environmental dangers of illegal mining. Community members expressed appreciation to NAIMOS and called for sustained operations to help restore the river and protect their livelihoods.

NAIMOS has expressed concern about the presence of well-organized illegal mining networks operating with impunity in remote areas. The Secretariat noted that there is an urgent need to strengthen security and administrative systems in such communities to prevent the activities of these criminal networks.