Fetish priest bolts as anti-galamsey task force raids shrine along River Ankobra

The Western Regional Anti-Galamsey Task Force reaffirmed its determination to combat illegal mining, emphasizing that no amount of intimidation or mystical threats will deter its operations.

This assurance followed a notable discovery on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when a joint riverine operation conducted by the Western Regional National Security and the Western Naval Command uncovered a shrine along the River Ankobra.

The shrine, dedicated to Maame Wata and locally known as Togbe Nana Benin, was found within a makeshift structure believed to be utilized by illegal miners for spiritual rituals.

According to the security team, the fetish priest fled the site upon sighting the task force, abandoning ritual items and livestock prepared for sacrifice.

“This room is designated for the juju man. He escaped when he saw us, but we only answer to God. Wherever their gods reside, we are ready to confront them. We will destroy everything and move forward,” a naval officer told reporters.

Inside the structure, the task force discovered ritual prescriptions for a client, including one sheep, one goat, six fowls, one guinea fowl, cowries worth GH¢3,000, and an additional GH¢300 cash. Nearby, two sheep and a fowl were tied, apparently awaiting sacrifice.

Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restore the River Ankobra, which has been severely polluted by illegal mining.

“Sustaining regular patrols on the River Ankobra is crucial. We must identify and block all sources of pollutants, including sand washing, that continue to harm the river. With consistent effort, we are confident the river can be restored,” Brig. Gen. Whajah said.

Residents along the Ankobra continue to rely on the river despite its turbidity and health risks. Many, like food vendor Daavi Akorfa, resort to purifying the water with alum for drinking and cooking.

The task force noted a shift in tactics by illegal miners, who now channel wastewater directly into the river instead of operating openly on its banks, further complicating efforts to address the pollution.

The raid at Ankobra was part of a larger crackdown, with a simultaneous land-based operation conducted in the Gwira enclave by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMO).

Authorities have vowed to intensify patrols both on land and water, emphasizing that neither spiritual fortifications nor threats will halt the campaign against galamsey.