ASEMKROM, Aowin Municipality — The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force, in collaboration with the Aowin Municipal Assembly, has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities following the destruction of 92 chanfang machines at Asemkrom.
The operations, conducted on October 15 and 18, 2026, form part of renewed efforts by the authorities to combat illegal mining and protect water bodies from environmental degradation.
The Aowin Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Dr Stephen Ntow Morcher, has urged the youth and other individuals involved in illegal mining to desist from the practice and support efforts to protect the municipality’s natural resources.
His appeal comes amid renewed enforcement operations targeting illegal mining activities, which continue to pose environmental risks to water bodies and surrounding ecosystems.
The latest intervention follows an earlier raid that reportedly resulted in the arrest of three suspects. However, reports indicate that some illegal miners returned to the affected water body shortly after the initial operation, prompting the task force to undertake a follow-up exercise.
During the subsequent operations, the task force targeted mining equipment used in illegal mining activities around the affected water body near the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve.
The destruction of the 92 chanfang machines is expected to disrupt the activities of illegal miners operating in the area and support efforts to safeguard the environment.
Dr Morcher’s appeal highlights the importance of community cooperation in the fight against illegal mining. He has called on young people and other individuals to refrain from activities that threaten water bodies and undermine environmental protection efforts.
The Aowin Municipal Assembly is expected to continue working with NAIMOS to strengthen local monitoring, coordinate enforcement measures and prevent illegal miners from returning to the affected waterways.
The MCE’s appeal also underscores the importance of promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people, particularly in communities where illegal mining has become an economic activity.
Illegal mining can pollute rivers, damage aquatic ecosystems and threaten access to safe water. The destruction of mining equipment is among the enforcement measures authorities use to disrupt such operations.
The proximity of the affected area to the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve further highlights the need to protect the surrounding environment from activities that could undermine its ecological integrity.
The latest operation is expected to reinforce efforts to protect the municipality’s natural resources, with continued patrols and effective monitoring essential to preventing illegal miners from resuming their activities.
The success of the campaign will ultimately depend on sustained collaboration among NAIMOS, the Aowin Municipal Assembly, traditional authorities, community members and the youth to ensure that the affected water bodies remain protected.
ENDS
