NAIMOS Taskforce disrupts illegal mining operations on the Bonsa River

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, the NAIMOS Taskforce commenced massive operations to disrupt illegal mining activities along the Bonsa River. The raids began at Asuosu Adwoamantem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem District where the activities of the illegal miners have resulted in severe pollution of the water body.

On arrival at the Galamsey site, the Taskforce observed several Changfan machines actively operating on and along the River. The Galamsey machines were immediately burnt and destroyed beyond repair. The continuous clearance of these illegal mining activities is expected to reduce further pollution of the River.

During the operations, the taskforce also sighted one (1) excavator operating along the Bonsa River. Upon detecting the taskforce, the illegal miners fled into the river, abandoning the excavator. The taskforce dismantled the excavator by removing one (1) oil pump, two (2) batteries, and the gear control lever, as the machine had no control board or monitor installed. Additionally, five (5) pumping machines were seized.

In a related development, another illegal mining site was identified within the same enclave. The taskforce also sighted two (2) abandoned excavators parked ashore and one (1) excavator positioned in the middle of the Bonsa River.

All waterholes and heavy-duty pumping machines used to pollute the river were destroyed. To immobilize the excavators, the taskforce removed one (1) control board, one (1) monitor, and two (2) oil pump components.

However, the excavator positioned in the middle of the river could not be immobilized due to the absence of an access route. It was assessed that the illegal miners access this excavator using canoes.