By Mark Agodoa
Copyright gbcghanaonline
Felix Cofie
Security forces have intensified the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, with a major operation launched along the Ankobra River in the Nzema East Municipality.
The large-scale exercise, conducted on Wednesday, September 17, was led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Task Force in collaboration with the Western Regional Security Council, the Western Naval Command, and the Nzema East Blue Water Guards.
The raid targeted communities stretching from Dwira Ashem through Dominase to Akango, where illegal miners had established bases along the riverbanks.• Makeshift structures erected by the miners were dismantled and set ablaze.• Dredging platforms and chanfangs used to mine directly in the river were destroyed.• Security teams also seized items including motorbikes, pumping machines, solar panels, household appliances, and gas cylinders believed to have supported the illicit activities.
Officials say the operation, which also resulted in several arrests, is part of government’s renewed push to stamp out galamsey across key hotspots nationwide.
“This is a clear testament of government’s commitment to the fight against the menace. Despite the teething challenges, progress is being made,” NAIMOS indicated in a statement.
Similar operations are ongoing in other illegal mining zones across the country, with mining equipment seized or destroyed to prevent further environmental destruction. Authorities insist the fight against galamsey will be sustained to protect water bodies and restore degraded lands.
