Nine suspected illegal miners have been arrested, and 23 changfans have been destroyed along the Ankobra River in Prestea Nakaba, Western Region. This action was part of a government-led anti-illegal mining operation known as Operation Halt.
The task force, consisting of over 100 soldiers, was deployed last week to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, which has caused significant environmental destruction, especially along Ghana’s rivers.
The renewed crackdown follows mounting pressure from professional bodies and civil society organizations calling on the government to take decisive action against galamsey. The environmental consequences of illegal mining have been devastating, polluting water bodies and destroying surrounding lands, prompting urgent responses from the authorities.
Operation Halt, spearheaded by the government’s anti-galamsey task force, has focused on key regions where illegal mining activities have been most prevalent. In addition to the Western Region, the task force has been actively targeting illegal operations in the Eastern and Central Regions, especially those affecting the country’s major water bodies.
In a separate raid along the River Pra in Assin Assaman, located in the Assin Fosu district of the Central Region, the task force destroyed 10 changfans, machines used to wash gold-bearing soil, which are a common tool in galamsey operations. Alongside the changfans, seven water pumps were also destroyed. The team seized a locally manufactured single-barrel gun, a BB cartridge, and a set of tools typically used in illegal mining.
The arrests in Prestea Nakaba were accompanied by the destruction of significant mining equipment used to extract gold from the Ankobra River. Among the items destroyed were 33 grinding machines, 27 water pumps, 23 changfans, and three changfan boards, all of which had been instrumental in illegal mining operations in the region. A motorbike found at the scene was also set ablaze, sending a clear message that the government is intensifying efforts to curb galamsey activities.
Illegal mining has not only disrupted the lives of communities but has also threatened the country’s natural resources. The continuous degradation of rivers like Ankobra and Pra has sparked concerns about the long-term sustainability of water resources and the ability to support local livelihoods dependent on clean water. The task force, therefore, remains focused on dismantling the infrastructure of illegal miners and restoring the environment.
This crackdown is part of a larger, nationwide effort by the government to restore Ghana’s ecosystems and preserve its resources. While galamsey continues to pose challenges, the government has expressed its determination to reverse the trend, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a clean environment.
The ongoing operations by the anti-galamsey task force represent a crucial step in addressing environmental concerns, but the fight against illegal mining requires sustained efforts and cooperation between law enforcement, local communities, and the government. As more areas are targeted, the task force remains resolute in its mission to halt the environmental damage and ensure the restoration of Ghana’s natural heritage.
