The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, destroying more than 35 changfan machines and arresting two suspects during a two-day operation in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.

The enforcement exercise, carried out on May 28 and 29, targeted illegal mining enclaves at Merewa-Awaso, where operators had reportedly encroached on lawful concessions and diverted portions of the Ankobra and Tano rivers.

According to NAIMOS, the operation resulted in the dismantling of more than 35 changfan machines, the destruction of seven water pumping systems, and the burning of several makeshift structures used for illegal mining activities.

The taskforce said the miners had significantly polluted sections of the Ankobra River, discharging untreated wastewater into the water body and altering its natural course.

Officials further noted that abandoned pits, stagnant pools, and uncovered excavations left behind by the operators pose serious environmental and safety risks to nearby communities and livestock.

The operation began at about 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, when the taskforce stormed an active illegal mining site in the Merewa-Awaso area. Miners reportedly fled upon sighting the enforcement team.

Two suspects were later arrested after a chase through surrounding bushland. They have been identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Atassor and 24-year-old Alhassan Mumuni.

Both individuals have since been handed over to the Sefwi Bekwai District Police Headquarters for investigation and possible prosecution.

More than 20 changfan machines and all structures on the site were destroyed during the first day of operations.

On Friday, May 29, the taskforce advanced deeper into the forest, where operators had reportedly deployed sentries along access routes before fleeing ahead of the raid.

Although no arrests were made on the second day, NAIMOS destroyed an additional 15 changfan machines, dismantled seven water pumps, and burned further mining equipment discovered at the site.

The secretariat described the level of environmental damage to the Ankobra River as severe, noting that parts of the river had been heavily diverted and contaminated to the point of being barely recognizable.

NAIMOS said the nature of illegal mining in the area has evolved from small-scale artisanal activity into coordinated, industrial-level operations.

The secretariat assured residents in Merewa-Awaso, Bibiani, Anhwiaso, Bekwai, and surrounding communities that operations will continue until illegal miners are fully flushed out and affected water bodies are restored.

It further warned that financiers and operators behind illegal mining activities would not find safe haven in the forests of the Western North Region, as enforcement efforts are expected to be sustained.