NCSSMAG Anti-Galamsey Taskforce: Visits Mankranso, Seizes Illegal Mining Equipment:
A significant operation was conducted at the Nyamedomso camp near Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by the Anti-Galamsey Taskforce of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) to curb illicit mining along the River Mankran.
The activity is a continuation of the association's long-term goal of assisting the government's effort to eradicate Galamsey, or illicit mining on river bodies, and promoting lawful and responsible small-scale mining.
During the drill, the task force destroyed many pieces of illicit mining equipment located near River Mankran and committed to prolonging their efforts to preserve key water bodies and farmlands in the region.
The task force discovered illicit mining gangs operating along the River Mankran, which is approximately 50 meters from the Nyamedomso farming village. The river is the sole water source for the community, serving both household and agricultural needs.
Persistent illicit mining activities have extensively contaminated the river, which empties into the River Offin—a significant water source for Kumasi and its surrounding areas.
Upon witnessing the task force, the miners fled the site, taking with them part of their equipment.
To stop the illicit mining camp from starting up again, the task force destroyed all of the equipment and then set fire to the rest.
Taskforce member Philip Bawa stated that the confident village leaders of Nyamedomso were protecting the illegal miners for their own benefit.
“There’s nowhere in Ghana you can mine on a river body 50 meters from the community without the knowledge of the traditional authorities, since certain rituals must be performed before mining begins. It follows that the local government and traditional leaders are cognizant of the miners' existence. "They are complicit because they are involved; that is why they haven't done anything," he said.
He continued, “We have warned them and told them that they are perpetuating the destruction we’ve seen. This is River Mankran, which enters River Offin at a location. Therefore, when pollution occurs here, the River Offin is also affected, and ultimately, the contamination reaches the River Pra and the sea. That’s why we have begun our operations against illegal miners here in the Mankranso District, notably in the Nyamedomso camp.”
Meanwhile, a member of the local unit committee, Yaw Yeboah, agreed that the community had failed to take responsibility for safeguarding the river but offered to collaborate with authorities to maintain the area’s only water supply.
“Truth be told, we are guilty, but I wasn’t aware of their presence this time. When I first discovered their actions on the river, I personally took them to the DCE, who advised them to cease their activities. Later, the DCE himself came to drive them away. I traveled and returned yesterday night only to see they had begun mining on River Mankran,” the unit committee member said.
He continued, “Your presence here through this operation tells us to take our destiny into our own hands, and I can assure you that we will not sit unconcerned again for them to destroy the river we depend on for farming.”
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Asadik Abubakar, congratulated NCSSMAG’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce for their efforts in helping the government’s war against illicit mining.
He expressed confidence that increased coordination between government agencies and reputable small-scale miners will help identify and eliminate unlawful operators, thereby restoring the reputation of Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.
“The area you are talking about, I was personally there about two weeks ago to sack them. I’m astonished to learn they have returned to mining on the river. Nevertheless, I will go there tomorrow to check on them,” the DCE said.
He said, “Currently, I have formed a task force that is specifically targeting illegal mining on river bodies so we can clear all illegal miners operating within my jurisdiction.”
Breasi Andoh, leader of NCSSMAG’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, emphasized the association’s commitment to maintaining the battle against illicit mining while supporting ecologically friendly and lawful mining activities.
“As you can see, my team is fully prepared for the task. We, the lawful small-scale miners, will no longer sit unconcerned while illegal miners, often known as Tonto miners, tarnish our reputation. That’s why we are on the field now. The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana will guarantee that we preserve lawful small-scale mining activities and help the government in battling any illegalities to defend our image,” Commander Andoh assured.
He explained further, “We came with our boats, divers, and other equipment. All the mining machines we are burning will be taken from the river to minimize additional contamination. We will do all necessary to help the government’s battle against unlawful mining. We are totally dedicated to cooperating with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”
President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, also urged for a joint effort in fighting the illicit mining issue throughout all mining regions.
He asked the public and stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry to volunteer information to the association’s task force and other government-established teams to assist in capturing miners participating in unlawful operations, particularly those working on river bodies.