The Eastern Region of Ghana has witnessed a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey,” with a joint operation leading to the arrest of seven individuals and the confiscation of substantial equipment. Led by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, the operation involved personnel from the First Infantry Battalion under the Southern Command and the Eastern Regional Police Command. The operation targeted several locations known for illegal mining activities, including Akyem Kubriso in Lower West Akyem, Atewa West, Akyem Takyiman in the Kwaebibirim District, Ayensuano, and Osino in the Fanteakwa South District – all within the Eastern Region. This concerted effort reflects a growing determination by authorities to combat the devastating environmental and social consequences of galamsey.
The operation resulted in the seizure of various equipment used in illegal mining, highlighting the scale of the illicit activities. Confiscated items included excavators, integral to the excavation process and often indicative of significant financial investment in the illegal operations. Additionally, 16 water pumps, crucial for extracting and separating gold from the ore, were seized. The confiscation of 24 excavator batteries further hampered the operational capacity of the illegal miners. A chainsaw machine, likely used for clearing vegetation and preparing mining sites, was also among the seized items. The range of confiscated equipment underscores the complexity and organization of illegal mining operations in the targeted areas.
Beyond the mining equipment, the operation also uncovered items suggesting a wider network of criminal activity associated with galamsey. Two pump-action guns and three single-barrel rifles were seized, raising concerns about the potential for violence and the dangers faced by those attempting to enforce mining regulations. The presence of firearms also suggests a need for further investigation into the possible involvement of organized crime in galamsey operations. The confiscation of washing carpets, used to separate gold particles from other materials, and a gold weighing scale provides further evidence of active gold processing at the illegal mining sites.
Following the operation, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, addressed the media, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to eradicating galamsey in the Eastern Region. She condemned the destructive practices of illegal mining, highlighting the detrimental impact on water bodies and farmlands, crucial resources for the region’s population. Her strong stance signals a shift towards more robust enforcement of mining regulations and a commitment to protecting the environment from further degradation. This public declaration serves as a warning to illegal miners operating within the region.
Madam Awatey also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in financing galamsey operations. Her focus on financiers underscores an understanding of the underlying economic forces driving illegal mining. By targeting the financial backers, authorities aim to disrupt the flow of resources that sustains these illegal activities. She stressed that the joint task force would maintain its presence in the region and continue to pursue those who provide financial support to galamsey, signaling a long-term commitment to combating the problem at its roots. This strategic approach aims to dismantle the entire illegal mining network, from the laborers to the investors who profit from their activities.
The operation represents a significant step in the fight against illegal mining in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The seizure of equipment, the arrest of individuals involved in the illicit activities, and the strong statements from the Eastern Regional Minister demonstrate a renewed focus on enforcing mining regulations and protecting the environment. The focus on pursuing financiers represents a strategic shift towards addressing the root causes of galamsey and dismantling the networks that perpetuate it. The continued presence of the joint task force in the region promises further action against illegal mining operations and offers hope for the restoration of the damaged ecosystems and the protection of local communities’ livelihoods. The success of this operation will likely depend on the sustained commitment from authorities and the cooperation of local communities in reporting illegal activities and providing information about those involved.
