A task force from the National Association of Small Scale Miners conducted a major operation on the River Tano in the Asankragua area of the Amenfi West District on Wednesday, September 25th, 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 river.

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, was set ablaze.

Other items such as water pumps, motors, and tanks were confiscated as evidence.

Mr. Original Sankwan, a secretary for the Asankragua Small Scale Association who also served as spokesperson, stated that the task force is committed to intensifying efforts to clamp down on galamsey, particularly those operations damaging river bodies.

“Galamsey is destroying our water bodies, so we are determined to clamp down on those mining illegally. We seek the help of the government to be able to fight illegal mining in the country. We are determined to help clean the system.”

They reiterated that the association will not allow 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.