The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) says it has intercepted 65 brand-new Changfang machines suspected of being destined for illegal mining in the Nzema East and Aowin municipalities of the Western and Western North regions.
According to Adom Online and MyJoyOnline, 2 people involved in transporting and receiving the equipment were arrested and handed over to the Enchi Police Station for further investigation.
NAIMOS said a truck loaded with 22 Changfang machines was impounded at Eshaem in the Nzema East Municipality on Monday. Two days later, a task force operating from Enchi intercepted another truck at Akontombra Nkwanta in the Aowin District while travelling to Juaboso for a separate operation.
A search of that vehicle uncovered 43 Changfang machines, 28 water pumps, 28 large plastic pans, hoses, shafts, hammers, Wellington boots, raincoats and blowtorches, according to the reports. The truck and a Toyota Corolla were taken into custody.
NAIMOS said the machines, which are commonly associated with fufu-pounding, are often mounted on platforms on rivers to churn sediment for gold. It said the seized items and vehicles have been secured while investigations establish their source, destination and any link to illegal mining.
The secretariat said the interceptions point to organised supply chains that replace equipment destroyed during enforcement operations.
NAIMOS has not said who is believed to be financing the supply network. No charges have been reported, and those arrested remain presumed innocent.