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.
Mrs Patience Antonio, a Child and Family Development Advocate, has called for a national campaign to reduce the growing reliance on breast milk substitutes among nursing mothers in Ghana.
According to Mrs Antonio, scientific evidence shows that breastfeeding improves a child’s emotional stability, boosts intelligence, strengthens the immune system, and provides long-term health benefits. She made these remarks in an interview with The Spectator in Accra last week, emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding for a child’s overall development.
She explained that breastfeeding is not just a biological act of feeding but a key emotional and developmental bridge between mother and child. She also highlighted the need for the recommended six-month maternity leave period to ease the pressure on mothers to return to work prematurely.
“Breastfeeding creates intimacy and trust. It assures the baby of love and security, which becomes the foundation for their emotional health,” Mrs Antonio noted, warning that abandoning exclusive breastfeeding could have long-term implications on children’s social and emotional wellbeing.
Consequently, she called for a minimum of five months of fully paid maternity leave for Ghanaian mothers to enable effective breastfeeding, bonding, and healthier child development. She also urged workplaces to implement family-friendly policies, including private spaces for breastfeeding, flexible working arrangements for nursing mothers, and stronger support systems for new parents.
Mrs Antonio further encouraged families and society to actively support mothers during breastfeeding, stressing that many women struggle due to lack of assistance at home or the pressure to return to work too soon. She emphasized, “If we want a healthier, emotionally stable generation, then we must make breastfeeding a priority and support mothers to do it without stress.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The Nanvili Community School in the Mion District of the Northern Region is facing severe infrastructural challenges, affecting teaching and learning for pupils in the area.
The school, which serves five surrounding communities with a total of 58 pupils, has deteriorated to the extent that many children have stopped attending classes. Poor classroom conditions and the lack of desks have made teaching and learning difficult. During a visit to the school, the gate-free classrooms were found filled with goat and sheep droppings.
During the rainy season, both teachers and pupils are often cut off from the school due to bad roads and flooding. Teaching activities are frequently suspended for weeks, negatively affecting academic performance.
The Assemblyman for the area, Mr. Dawuni Mutawakil, expressed concern, noting that the situation is worrying since these pupils are expected to compete with their counterparts in urban areas who have access to better facilities. He added that due to limited space, classes have been merged, with pupils from Primary One and Two, Three and Four, and Five and Six sharing the same classrooms.
The Chief of Nanvili, Abu Kassim, also appealed to the government and non-governmental organisations to come to the aid of the community. He emphasized that the current state of the school discourages children from nearby communities from attending.
Both the Chief and Assemblyman have called for urgent intervention to improve infrastructure and provide furniture for the pupils to ensure quality education for children in the Nanvili area.
By Geoffrey Buta, Nanvili, Northern Region
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
