Ankobra River severely impacted by illegal mining activities

A photo shared on social media on May 8, 2026, depicted large portions of the river discolored with muddy brown waters, a stark contrast to its former state as a vital natural resource. Despite ongoing efforts by various governments to combat this issue, galamsey persists, leading to widespread water pollution. This illegal activity in different parts of the country has severely damaged the environment, threatened livelihoods, and hindered sustainable development.

In response, personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat NAIMOS, a unit dedicated to fighting galamsey, in collaboration with the Blue Water Guards, have increased their patrols in the Nzema East District of the Western Region. NAIMOS stated that these operations, spanning from Gwira Banso to Tumentu, aim to identify, disrupt, and prevent illegal mining. The Secretariat also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on illegal mining networks and urged local communities to support efforts to protect the environment and uphold the law.