NAIMOS launches ‘Operation Water Shield’ to clamp down on illegal mining in Ghana’s rivers

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched a nationwide enforcement operation to protect Ghana’s major rivers and water resources from illegal mining activities.

Dubbed “Operation WATER SHIELD,” the campaign seeks to move beyond periodic raids by introducing sustained, intelligence-led enforcement across vulnerable river basins.

The operation, announced in a statement issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, and signed by NAIMOS Spokesperson Paa Kwesi Schandorf, will cover major rivers including the Birim, Ankobra, Tano, Bia, Pra and Offin, as well as affected sections of the Black and White Volta systems.

NAIMOS said source areas and upper catchments would receive special attention due to the impact of illegal mining on water quality downstream.

As part of the operation, the Secretariat will work with security agencies and other state institutions to secure riverbanks and waterways, dismantle illegal mining logistics networks and disrupt the financial structures supporting the illegal trade.

The campaign will also target excavators, chanfang machines, water pumps, dredging equipment and other machinery used to destroy water bodies.

NAIMOS warned that individuals and businesses facilitating illegal mining, including equipment owners, suppliers and unauthorised manufacturers of chanfang machines, would also face enforcement action.

“Illegal miners operating on water bodies and riverbanks should expect their operations to be disrupted and their equipment seized, immobilised or otherwise dealt with in accordance with applicable law and established procedures,” the Secretariat warned.

NAIMOS said areas cleared of illegal mining would be continuously monitored to prevent reoccupation and support the restoration of degraded water bodies.

The Secretariat has also appealed to traditional leaders, MMDAs, local communities, equipment owners and the general public to support the operation by providing credible information on illegal mining activities and those financing or facilitating them.

It said the ultimate goal is to protect critical watersheds, improve water quality and restore effective control over Ghana’s affected river basins.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.