Illegal mining in the Western North Region has spread to land directly behind public school buildings, according to a 3news.com reconnaissance visit on 30 October 2026.
According to Chale News, citing 3news.com, the team found excavators, heavy machines and water pumps operating at several locations across the region, including sites close to schools.
Residents of nearby communities described the spread of galamsey into these areas as devastating. Farmers told the team that polluted water from the mining sites was affecting their ability to irrigate crops, and some residents have started drilling boreholes for alternative water.
The report said the activity continues despite an existing ban on illegal mining in the Enchi area of Western North.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has carried out a string of operations in the Enchi and Aowin areas in recent weeks.
The report did not name the schools or the people operating the sites, and did not say which agencies have been notified or what enforcement action is planned. No arrests linked to these sites were reported.