An angry miner involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has threatened to lead his community in voting massively against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7, 2024 general elections.

This came after a military taskforce, assigned to clamp down on illegal mining activities, burned the excavator he used for his operations.

In a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the illegal miner expressed his frustration with President Akufo-Addo's decision to crack down on illegal mining, vowing that the NPP would face consequences at the polls for their actions.

“The fools among the leaders are too many now. We will stop campaigning for the party. They will do the campaigning themselves with their children. Whether they like it or not, we will vote against them during the general elections. We will not allow them to campaign in this area. Look at what they’ve done to this excavator. Why should they burn it?” he angrily remarked.

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, in collaboration with the military, has ramped up efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly along the Birim River, as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect the environment.

This operation aims to tackle the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, especially the damage to water bodies and farmlands.

In a raid along the banks of the Birim River on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the taskforce confiscated and destroyed 18 chanfan machines, commonly used for illegal gold extraction.

Additionally, 10 water pumping machines were also destroyed. As part of the expanded "Operation Halt" campaign, more industrial equipment associated with illegal mining was set ablaze.

This action is part of efforts to restore the severely polluted river, which has been contaminated by the activities of illegal miners.

The military-led taskforce targeted the Anyinam area in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region, a known hotspot for galamsey. Reports indicate that many illegal miners fled the site after receiving a tip-off, momentarily halting their activities before the taskforce’s arrival.

However, the military still managed to seize and destroy essential equipment used in the illicit mining operations.

A man fumes as an excavator is set on fire following the president's decision to clamp down on illegal miners. He !nsulted the leaders and stated that they would conduct their own campaign with their ch!ldren and vote against them in the upcoming elections.#StopGalamseyNow pic.twitter.com/vKgk9h8xyE

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) October 10, 2024