Over 100 Chamfan Machines Destroyed in Major Anti-Galamsey Operation by National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association

In a bold and unprecedented move to reinforce the national fight against illegal mining, the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG), has destroyed more than one hundred (100) “Chamfan” machines used by illegal miners in an intensive one-week anti-galamsey operation.

The exercise, carried out in close collaboration with the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, targeted illegal mining activities along River Bankra, a major water body that connects to the Offin River and flows through parts of the Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo North, and Atwima Mponua Districts in the Ashanti Region.

According to the Association, the operation forms part of its ongoing commitment to support the Government of Ghana’s national agenda to curb illegal mining activities that have over the years devastated river bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kumasi, the President of the Association, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, explained that the decision to undertake the exercise was driven by the Association’s strong desire to promote responsible, sustainable, and environmentally friendly small-scale mining practices.

“We, the legitimate small-scale miners, are deeply concerned about the negative image being created by the activities of illegal miners who continue to destroy our rivers and lands. Their actions are undermining our credibility and the collective efforts of responsible miners who are contributing to national development,” he said.

Mr. Peprah further emphasized that the operation was not only a show of commitment but also a form of self-regulation, aimed at ensuring that members of the Association strictly adhere to Ghana’s mining and environmental laws. He explained that NCSSMAG will not sit idle while a few unscrupulous individuals tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the legitimate small-scale mining sector.

He revealed that the destroyed Chamfan machines were being used by illegal miners operating directly on riverbeds, particularly along River Bankra and its tributaries, where illegal dredging and gold washing have caused severe siltation and pollution of water sources. The exercise, he said, was therefore necessary to restore the health of the rivers and protect the livelihoods of downstream communities.

Mr. Peprah also appealed to individuals and groups still engaged in illegal mining on river bodies to immediately halt their operations and seek proper regularization through the appropriate regulatory agencies such as the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“We call on all illegal miners to stop mining on river bodies with immediate effect. The Association remains committed to collaborating with government and other stakeholders to protect our natural resources and sustain the livelihoods of Ghanaians who depend on legal small-scale mining,” he stated.

The President of NCSSMAG reiterated that the Association will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, and various security agencies to ensure the success of the national campaign against galamsey. He commended the Anti-Galamsey Taskforce for their logistical and operational support during the week-long exercise, noting that such partnerships are crucial in eliminating illegal mining from Ghana’s mining landscape.

Mr. Peprah assured that NCSSMAG is determined to demonstrate leadership in responsible mining and will keep monitoring and supporting government initiatives to protect water bodies, forests, and communities affected by the menace of galamsey.

The destruction of the Chamfan machines marks one of the largest independent anti-galamsey interventions by a civil mining group in recent years, signaling a renewed determination among law-abiding small-scale miners to help reclaim degraded lands and safeguard Ghana’s environment for future generations.

With this decisive move, the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has sent a clear message that the era of indifference toward illegal mining is over, and that legitimate miners are ready to play their part in protecting the country’s natural resources and reputation in the global mining industry.