Illegal mining operation busted: Police arrest 15, confiscate 10 excavators near River Ankobr

The Authorities at the Western part of Ghana have launched a major strike against illegal mining operations arresting 15 individuals including seven foreigners. Ten excavators were  confiscated during a targeted raid at the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira District.

The Western Regional Police Command led this operation targeting the notorious clandestine mining sites at Avelebo and Akango where the unauthorized gold extraction links to the degradation of the environment.

Reports from the local media confirms the arrest of some eight Ghanaians alongside the seven foreigners where the nationalities of the non citizens remains undisclosed. The police described the confiscated excavators as a critical evidence to bolster legal efforts to prosecute those involved in the illegal mining locally known as “galamsey”.  “These arrests are just the beginning because we’re determined to root out illegal miners and protect our water bodies from further destructions” as the police added.

Erastus Asare Donkor, an environmental journalist shared a news flash on the raid via social media, emphasized its significance in the ongoing anti galamsey campaigns.

The illegal miners have been accused of increasing the pollution of the river, which has been pointed out as a worry among the local communities and environmental activists. The raid highlights the increasing stress on authorities to curb this menace which has remained despite selective repression. Critics argue that the lax enforcement and corruption have allowed the trade to thrive with foreigners who are always accused of financing destructive ventures.

The government’s recent revival of operation “Halt II”, a military led initiative to destroy illegal mines and arrest individuals who engage in such in other to restore degraded lands.

The government is urging every community to cooperate with law enforcement in reporting illegal mining operations known as “galamsey” to protect the resources of the nation.