Joint Operation Targets Illegal Mining in Ahafo Ano South West
The Mankranso District Police Command, in collaboration with the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, launched a significant operation to curb illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in the communities of Mpasaaso and Achiase. The joint effort resulted in the seizure of five heavy-duty excavators, which were being used to destroy forest reserves and pollute water bodies in the area.
The operation also uncovered a cache of weapons, highlighting the dangerous nature of these illegal activities. Authorities confiscated 12 pump-action shotguns, one pistol, and 33 live cartridges during the raid. The presence of firearms suggests that the illegal miners may have been prepared to resist law enforcement, raising concerns about the level of organization behind these operations.
Photographs released by the Ghana Police Service show the seized equipment and weapons laid out for documentation. The excavators, branded with the JCB logo, were lined up on a grassy field near a local building, while the firearms and ammunition were displayed on the ground, providing a stark visual of the operation’s findings.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Ghanaian authorities to address the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, which has led to widespread deforestation and contamination of vital water sources. The operation was led by Chief Inspector Gownn Ababio, Head of Public Affairs at the Regional Police Headquarters in Ahafo.