It has emerged that the rampant desecration of water bodies in most parts of the country due to illegal mining (galamsey) is being carried out by individuals of foreign origin, allegedly sponsored by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Residents claim they have observed NDC leadership—from the national, regional, and constituency levels—engaging with these miners and providing them with sophisticated weapons on-site.

The issue of galamsey has intensified since last month.

Civil society groups, along with the general public, have expressed displeasure over the recent surge in illegal mining activities, particularly in rivers across many parts of the country, calling for strong government action to curb the menace.

A visit to several galamsey sites by the Small Scale Miners task force at Mankranso and other illegal mining locations revealed a dire situation, as workers seen mining on River Mankran were predominantly of foreign origin.

These miners, many of whom are primarily from Togo, were identified as those conducting mining activities in rivers without regard for the local inhabitants of the Mankranso area.

Several raids by the task force, including operations targeting some locals, clearly indicated a grand scheme by certain selfish elements who have brought these foreign youths into the country to associate galamsey with the sitting government in an attempt to damage its reputation.

At the sites, it was evident that these foreign nationals were briskly mining directly into the rivers, much to the dismay of the indigenous people, who felt powerless to intervene.

According to some Mankranso residents, these foreigners are heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and are unable to communicate in any of Ghana’s local dialects.

"Because they possess these powerful weapons, they are brutal and show no respect to anyone."

Although the residents are strongly against mining in rivers by these foreigners, they are unable to confront them due to the weapons they wield.

Mining equipment such as chamfi machines and water pumps were seized, and some of the chamfi machines were set ablaze by the Small Scale Miners task force.

According to the task force, such operations will continue across the country to clamp down on these foreign nationals who destroy water bodies with impunity.