According to a statement from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the operation took place on October 18, 2026, at Asemkrom in the Aowin Municipality. This action was part of Operation WATER SHIELD, aimed at protecting Ghana's rivers. During an initial sweep on October 15, 2026, near the Jema-Asekrom Forest Reserve, 61 machines were destroyed, and three suspected operators were arrested. Follow-up patrols three days later found that illegal mining had resumed, leading to the destruction of an additional 31 machines and the seizure of two outboard motors. NAIMOS observed severe environmental degradation of the Tano River due to the in-stream mining activities. The Secretariat emphasized the need for sustained patrols and monitoring to prevent the rapid reoccupation of cleared sites by illegal miners. NAIMOS pledged to maintain pressure along the Tano River and strengthen community engagement to discourage participation in galamsey and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.