News
NAIMOS Task Force storms Ankobra River, crushes illegal mining operations in bold riverine patrol
In a fierce show of resolve to save Ghana’s water bodies from destruction, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force, in collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, has launched a sweeping riverine operation along the Ankobra River, dismantling illegal mining activities that have long plagued the area.
The operation, which spanned nearly 10 kilometres from Gwira Eshiam to Anyinase, uncovered massive illegal mining activities, particularly at “Cocoa Ase” in Gwira Banso where miners were dredging the riverbed.
The culprits, upon spotting the Task Force, fled the scene, abandoning equipment and makeshift structures used for their illicit operations.
In a decisive move, the Task Force set ablaze over 100 makeshift shelters, destroyed 7 Chanfang machines, and seized an assortment of mining tools including 23 water pumping machines, gas cylinders, shovels, and even a DSTV dish believed to have been used at the site.
A Hyundai excavator discovered at Abrodiem was also immobilised after its pump and gear lever were removed.
Further inspection revealed a blocked tributary, the Kamei Stream, which had been diverted by miners to aid their operations.
The Task Force successfully reopened the waterway and destroyed over 50 pumping machines found at a nearby repair shop, rendering them unserviceable.
Issuing a stern warning, NAIMOS cautioned all illegal miners to vacate the Ankobra River and its adjoining areas immediately.
“This operation is just the beginning,” an official stated, adding that “We will not relent in our mission to protect Ghana’s environment and water resources from further degradation.”
With the success of this operation, NAIMOS has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the integrity of Ghana’s rivers and safeguarding livelihoods that depend on them.
Thomas Partey, Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer, Kojo Oppong Peprah, and Alexander Djiku trained with the Black Stars on Tuesday, March 23 as preparations intensify for the international friendly against Austria on Friday.
The newly arrived players—Partey, Königsdörffer, Oppong Peprah and Djiku—joined the group training Tuesday afternoon in readiness for the match.
Partey and Djiku bring valuable experience and dexterity to the team, having played a major role in securing Ghana a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America.
All 25 players participated in Tuesday’s training session, each aiming to catch the eye of head coach Otto Addo.
The full squad present at training included Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph Anang, Patrick Pfeiffer, Derrick Luckassen, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew, Prince Kwabena Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Daniel Agyei, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, and Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer.
Training will continue on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the match on Friday, March 27, 2026.
The Kadjebi District Police Command, through a sustained intelligence-led operation, has arrested a suspect, Chalim Madzaton, also known as Peter Tano, 36, a farmer.
He was apprehended at his hideout in Kpaya, a suburb of Ahamansu, in connection with the murder of 80-year-old Dakolor Semaka.
On March 24, 2026, police received a report that the suspect had allegedly attacked his girlfriend, Yaa Tugbenyo, 55, and her mother, the deceased, at their residence in Mangoase near Kadjebi During the incident, Yaa Tugbenyo managed to escape but later returned to find her mother lying motionless on the floor.
Police Officers visited the scene and found the body of the deceased lying in a supine positior with isible signs of violence.
The scene was processed, and photographs were taken for evidential purpose.
The deceased was pronounced dead by a medical officer at St. Mary Theresa Hospital and the body has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The suspect is currently in Police custody assisting with investigations and will be arraigned before court.
