Blue Water Guards Seize and Destroy Illegal Mining Equipment Near Ankobra River

Blue Water Guards stationed at Prestea in the Western Region have carried out a successful raid targeting illegal mining activities near the Ankobra River.

The operation, prompted by intelligence, took place at a site known as “Amponsah” in the Himan Community. Upon the team’s arrival, the illegal miners fled, abandoning their equipment and activities along the riverbank.

The guards confiscated eight water pumps and destroyed eight Changfan machines used for illegal mining. Three additional Changfans sank into the river during the operation. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

All seized equipment has been handed over to the police as investigations continue and efforts intensify to track down the fleeing miners.

This latest action adds to the growing record of successful operations by the Blue Water Guards, a task force launched in March 2025 to combat illegal mining. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has hailed the initiative as a vital component of its strategy to protect Ghana’s water bodies and rehabilitate degraded lands.