The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force, in a decisive move against the persistent menace of illegal mining, executed a meticulously planned operation on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Dwendwenase, a community nestled near Juaso in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. This operation, spearheaded by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and involving a 37-member team supported by a fleet of six service vehicles, resulted in the seizure of two excavators, underscoring the government’s intensified efforts to combat the destructive practice known locally as “galamsey.” The raid, launched at 1:30 p.m., was predicated on credible intelligence indicating the presence of Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining activities within the protected confines of the Dwendwenase Forest Reserve.
Upon the task force’s arrival at the illicit mining site, the suspects, alerted to the impending operation, abandoned their operations and fled the scene, leaving behind two excavators as silent witnesses to their unlawful activities. One of the excavators, rendered inoperable, was left at the site, while the other was strategically loaded onto a low-bed carrier for transportation. As the operation unfolded, fresh intelligence emerged, directing the task force’s attention to another excavator concealed within a cocoa farm at Atta Ne Atta, a nearby village. In a desperate attempt to thwart the task force’s efforts, the excavator’s operator had disconnected crucial components, rendering the machine seemingly useless. However, the task force’s technically proficient team, undeterred by this act of sabotage, skillfully reassembled the disconnected parts and successfully restarted the excavator, securing it for transport.
Both seized excavators were subsequently transported to the task force’s base at Patase, where they will be held as crucial evidence in ongoing investigations and prospective legal proceedings. This successful operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against illegal mining, a practice that poses a grave threat to Ghana’s fragile ecosystem, its rich agricultural lands, and precious water resources. The government’s commitment to curbing this destructive activity is evident in the intensified efforts of the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force, demonstrating a resolve to protect the nation’s natural heritage.
This focused operation near Juaso not only yielded tangible results in the form of seized equipment but also served as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message to individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining that their activities will not be tolerated. The operation also highlighted the crucial role of intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation in effectively combating this complex and often clandestine activity. The quick response to newly acquired intelligence regarding the hidden excavator underscores the task force’s adaptability and commitment to thoroughness.
The seizure of these excavators represents a significant financial blow to the illegal mining operations, as these machines are essential for their destructive work. By depriving the perpetrators of their tools, the task force not only hinders their current activities but also makes it more difficult for them to resume operations in the future. The removal of these machines also mitigates the immediate environmental damage they would have caused had they remained in operation.
The ongoing battle against illegal mining requires sustained effort and a multi-pronged approach. The government’s commitment to deploying specialized task forces, coupled with enhanced intelligence gathering and community engagement, is crucial to stemming the tide of this environmentally destructive practice. The success of this operation near Juaso provides a compelling example of how targeted interventions can yield tangible results and contribute to the long-term goal of preserving Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. The ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining demonstrate the government’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of the environment.
