BY Issah Olegor
The National Democratic Congress government has withdrawn the anti-galamsey taskforce led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, sparking heated debate over the future of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
The development was first announced by the Chairman of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Kojo Peprah, who circulated an audio message urging miners whose excavators had been seized to present their documents and reclaim their equipment.
He further encouraged miners to return to their sites and resume operations, cautioning them to report anyone claiming to be part of the taskforce who attempts to disrupt their work.
Kojo Peprah’s announcement caused a wave of anxiety among stakeholders, with many fearing a resurgence of uncontrolled galamsey activities, which have already devastated the rivers, forests, and farmlands.
Critics described the move as a major setback in the country’s long-standing battle against illegal mining, which has left several water bodies—including the Ankobra, Pra, Birim and Offin Rivers—heavily polluted.
Government Clarifies Position
Following the backlash, government sources moved to clarify that the withdrawal was only temporary.
Officials explained that the measure was intended to allow a restructuring of the taskforce to focus specifically on “critical spots” such as forest reserves and water bodies.
According to government insiders, lawfully seized excavators will not be released to miners as suggested by Kojo Peprah.
Instead, the Lands Ministry is preparing to roll out mobile license registration points to encourage responsible small-scale mining under regulated conditions.
Authorities also insisted that a “renewed onslaught” against illegal mining would be launched in the coming weeks.
NAIMOS Cracks Down On Galamsey Along Ankobra River
Even as the debate rages, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has intensified operations in parts of the Western Region.
On Friday, August 22, 2025, NAIMOS, in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, seized 50 chanfang machines and several other illegal mining equipment along the Ankobra River.
The joint taskforce swept through the Abelebo and Akango communities in the Nzema East Municipality, acting on intelligence provided by locals and verified through drone surveillance.
Illegal miners fled the sites upon sighting the team, abandoning equipment such as polytanks, generators, pipelines, refrigerators, and even a motorbike.
Several makeshift camps set up by the miners along the riverbanks were destroyed, while excavator parts and other machinery were confiscated.
Confirming the operation, NAIMOS Administrator Joyce Asiedu said the agency remained committed to working with community-based groups like the Blue Water Guards to protect Ghana’s endangered water bodies.
