A task force from the National Association of Small Scale Miners has launched a major operation on River Mankraso in the Ahafo Ano South West District, targeting galamsey activities that have been devastating the environment. The raid resulted in the seizure of various equipment used by illegal miners, who fled the scene, abandoning their machinery and tools.
With no culprits to apprehend, the task force opted to destroy the abandoned equipment, setting dredging machines ablaze. Additionally, items like water pumps, motors, and tanks were confiscated as evidence, marking a significant blow to illegal mining operations in the area.
In an exclusive interview with Happy Kaseɛbɔ, Kwaku Duah, Organizer of Small Scale Miners Association in the Ashanti Region, lamented the fact that galamsey operators are destroying water bodies, while emphasizing the association’s unwavering commitment to combating operations that harm river bodies.
He assured that the task force will intensify its efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities that ravage the environment. Duah clarified that the Small Scale Miners Association members are licensed operators with the right to mine, whereas galamsey operators are responsible for destroying water bodies.
He urged Ghanaians to dismiss the misconception that Small Scale Miners are the ones destroying water bodies, emphasizing the need to distinguish between licensed and illegal mining operations.