National Concerned Small-Scale Miners destroy 80 chanfan platforms

The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Ghana, has raised concerns over the continued destruction of the River Offin through illegal mining activities in the Atwema Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to water security and the environment.

The association says it has launched a self-financed operation to protect legitimate small-scale mining interests while supporting government efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and safeguard Ghana’s water bodies.

Speaking to the media, the Director of Operations of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Philip Bawa Ajamujobe, said the operation was initiated in response to growing public concerns over the pollution and degradation of rivers in mining communities.

According to him, the exercise commenced at Adiembra on the River Offin, near the bridge leading towards Nyinahin, and extended through communities including Agogoso, Ntobroso, Enyinam, and Akumfere before ending at Tobroso. He noted that the operation would continue in the coming days due to time constraints.

Ajamujobe described the level of destruction along the River Offin as alarming, revealing that the team destroyed about 80 chanfan platforms operating directly in the river.

He further disclosed that the team identified several excavators and heavy-duty machines operating close to the riverbanks, with some miners allegedly discharging mining waste directly into the water.

“We have observed massive destruction of our water bodies, particularly the River Offin, where we have carried out operations before and again today. We have destroyed about 80 chanfan platforms operating in the river,” he stated.

The Director of Operations warned illegal miners to immediately cease activities that destroy water bodies and damage the image of responsible small-scale miners.

“We will not spare anybody found engaging in these illegal activities,” he cautioned, while calling on traditional authorities in the affected communities to take decisive action against individuals involved in illegal mining.

He expressed particular concern about the extent of degradation at Tobroso, where he said parts of the community had experienced flooding due to the impact of illegal mining activities on the river.

Ajamujobe also questioned the role of local authorities and traditional leaders in addressing the environmental destruction, arguing that the extent of the damage could not have gone unnoticed.

The River Offin, an important source of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use, continues to face significant threats from illegal mining activities, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and sustained interventions to protect the resource.

During the operation, some illegal miners reportedly fled into nearby forests after spotting the anti-galamsey task force approaching the river to avoid arrest. Several others were also seen operating excavators along sections of the River Offin, further polluting the once-clean water body.