The fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has intensified as the Operation Halt Taskforce, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, conducted a recent raid that destroyed numerous pieces of equipment used by illegal miners.
The task force conducted operations across multiple galamsey sites in the Western Region, particularly targeting Prestea Nakaba and the Ankobra River, in a determined effort to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
The operation was also extended to Assin Assaman in the Assin Fosu District of the Central Region, focusing on illegal mining along the River Pra.
Broadcast journalist Fred Duhoe, during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, October 14, confirmed the arrest of nine individuals connected to the illegal mining activities.
Western Region: Prestea Nakaba
In Prestea Nakaba, the task force destroyed 33 grinding machines, 27 water pumps, 23 changfans, three changfan boards, and a motorbike. Nine suspects were arrested as part of the operation.
Central Region: Assin Assaman
At Assin Assaman in the Assin Fosu District, the task force destroyed 10 changfans and seven water pumps, further curbing illegal mining operations in the area.
River Pra Operations
Along the River Pra, the task force destroyed 23 changfans and 30 water pumps. Additionally, they seized a locally manufactured single-barrel gun, BB cartridges, and a set of tools believed to be used by the illegal miners.
The Operation Halt initiative is part of the government’s broader national effort to tackle galamsey, which has caused severe environmental degradation, particularly to Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves. Col. Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, emphasized that military personnel would remain deployed until the condition of the affected water bodies improves significantly.
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