An anti-illegal mining operation spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) near Obuasi in Ghana's Ashanti Region nearly ended in tragedy on Thursday, November 6, 2025, when a road accident critically injured five journalists and some EPA staff. The incident occurred as the team was attempting to flee from a group of armed men believed to be illegal miners.

Professor Nana Ama Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, explained in an interview with TV3 that the operation was part of a three-week nationwide campaign to clamp down on illegal mining activities, especially those affecting water bodies. She emphasized the EPA's strategy of targeting not only those mining illegally in river bodies but also the businesses that supply them with equipment, noting the importance of dealing with suppliers. Prior to the accident, the team had already shut down several shops at Anhwia Nkwanta selling equipment used for 'galamsey' operations.

The team's efforts then led them near Obuasi, where they discovered active illegal mining activities. Professor Klutse recounted approaching the site, causing miners to flee and abandon their equipment. They found three excavators operating directly in a diverted river, which had caused flooding in nearby areas, describing it as a