Priest abandons shrine as taskforce moves on Ankobra galamsey sites
A shrine reportedly used to provide spiritual protection for illegal miners was uncovered during a joint riverine operation by a taskforce and the Western Naval Command along the Ankobra River on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. Authorities say the man identified as the shrine’s priest fled the scene when officers arrived.
The shrine, dedicated to Maame Wata and said to belong to Togbe Nana Benin, was discovered alongside several makeshift structures used by illegal miners on the riverbank, TV3 reported. Officers found a room believed to be used for purification rituals containing a list of prescribed items: one sheep, one goat, six fowls, one guinea fowl, cowries valued at GHC 3,000 and an additional cash payment of GHC 300. Two sheep and a fowl were reportedly found tethered nearby.
A naval officer who led the operation described the room as designated for rituals connected to mining activities and said the alleged priest left without confronting the taskforce. Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer Brigadier General Musah Whajah (rtd) said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal mining along the Ankobra River and that spiritual practices would not deter enforcement.
“We will persist until meaningful improvement is seen in the state of the Ankobra River,” Brigadier General Whajah said. The taskforce leader said teams had encountered ritual paraphernalia in previous operations and reiterated that enforcement would continue.
The raid follows intensified operations targeting illegal mining along riverine areas in the Western Region. Investigations at the site are ongoing.
About The Author
