The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force, has conducted an operation as part of the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Bonsa River in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council and the Blue Water Guards, formed part of national strategies to rid forests and water bodies of illegal mining activities.

A statement from the Secretariat said the Task Force destroyed several makeshift structures at various sites, seizing mining equipment and wares left behind by fleeing illegal miners.

Some of the equipment seized included; 10 water pumping machines, four Chanfang machines, five engine seats, and a pump-action gun, the statement said.

It stated that at Bonsawireh Sikaman, a notorious illegal mining community, the Task Force found abandoned excavators and detached their control boards.

The statement, however, noted some challenges, which included the need for accommodation for the Task Force to enhance their effectiveness, and better mobile network coverage in remote areas.

The Task Force has called for a deliberate national agenda to sensitise and educate indigenes in mining communities about the dangers of galamsey, leveraging electronic, print, and social media to reverse the trend.

The statement said the joint operation achieved its purpose of dismantling illegal mining sites, sending a strong message to perpetrators and that the Task Force remained committed to protecting Ghana’s environment and natural resources.