The Ghana National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has launched a vigorous crackdown on illegal miners whose activities are polluting rivers and degrading forest reserves in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, which began a few days ago, involves unannounced raids targeting illegal mining sites, particularly those operating along the River Offin.
On Wednesday, members of the Association conducted operations in Mpasatia, Abompe, Beposo, and nearby villages within the Atwima Nwabiagya District.
The team began their mission around 7 a.m., focusing on dismantling equipment used in river-based mining.
According to a leading member of the team, Mr. Michael Peprah, the illegal miners fled upon spotting the Association’s patrol boat, abandoning their changfan machines, equipment used to extract gold from riverbeds.
“The illegal miners saw the boat and fled, leaving behind changfan machines used to pollute the River Offin. We have destroyed about 40 changfans today, and the team will continue operations to ensure our water bodies are clean,” Mr. Peprah said.
The Association says it will sustain the exercise to complement government and community efforts aimed at protecting Ghana’s rivers from the devastating effects of galamsey (illegal mining).
Source: Myxyzonline.com
