The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has destroyed about 80 changfan machines being used for illegal mining activities directly on the River Offin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.
The team also identified excavators and other heavy-duty equipment mining close to the riverbanks and discharging mining waste directly into the water.
The Association expressed concern over the ongoing destruction of the River Offin by illegal mining, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to water security and the environment.
Speaking to the media, the Director of Operations of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana, Philip Bawa Ajamujobe, said, “We have observed massive destruction of our river bodies, particularly the River Offin, where we have acted before and today [June 19]. We have destroyed about 80 changfan platforms mining in the river bodies.”
The association says it has launched a self-financed operation to protect its business interests while supporting the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and safeguard the country’s water bodies.
He said the initiative was in response to growing public concerns about pollution and river degradation in mining communities.
According to him, the exercise commenced at Adiembra on the River Offin, near the bridge towards Nyinahin, and covered communities including Agogoso, Ntobroso, Enyinam and Akumfere before ending at Tobroso.
He noted that the operation would continue in the coming days due to time constraints.
Mr. Ajamujobe said the team observed extensive destruction of the River Offin, describing the situation as alarming.
The Director of Operations warned illegal miners to desist from activities that destroy water bodies and tarnish the image of responsible small-scale mining operators.
“We will not spare anybody when found,” he cautioned, while urging traditional authorities in affected communities to take decisive action against individuals engaged in illegal mining.
Mr. Ajamujobe expressed particular concern about the level of environmental degradation at Tobroso, where he said parts of the community had experienced flooding as a result of mining activities affecting the river.
He questioned the role of local authorities and traditional leaders in addressing the destruction, saying the extent of the damage was too significant for anyone in the community to ignore.
The River Offin, which serves as an important source of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes, continues to come under pressure from illegal mining activities, prompting renewed calls for stronger interventions to protect the resource.
Some illegal miners reportedly fled into nearby forests upon spotting the anti-galamsey taskforce approaching the river to avoid arrest, while several others were seen operating excavators along the River Offin and continuing to pollute the once pristine water body.
