A task force from the National Association of Small Scale Miners conducted a major operation on the River Mankran in the Ahafo Ano South West District on Wednesday, September 11, targeting illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
During the raid, the task force seized various equipment used by the illegal miners. However, upon spotting the task force, the miners fled the scene, abandoning their machinery and tools on the riverbank.
With no one to arrest, the task force decided to destroy the mining machines left behind. The equipment found on the river, including dredging machines, were set ablaze. Other items such as water pumps, motors, and tanks were confiscated as evidence.
A spokesperson for the Small Scale Miners Association stated that the task force is committed to intensifying efforts to clamp down on galamsey, particularly those operations damaging river bodies.
They reiterated that the association will not tolerate illegal mining activities that devastate the environment.
The association reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and vowed to continue the fight against illegal mining to protect the environment for future generations.