The Small-Scale Miners Taskforce in Ghana has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in the Ashanti Region. During an operation in Mankranso, the task force seized and destroyed illegal mining equipment, including water pumping machines and changfangs used for mining in river bodies.
Upon receiving information about the operation, the illegal miners fled the area before the task force arrived. The leader of the task force emphasized their commitment to protecting water bodies and farmland from galamsey activities, which have caused widespread environmental damage.
“We are fighting to stop illegal mining until our water bodies are clean,” the leader stated, adding that the task force will continue operations across the country. He also noted that galamsey has become a political issue ahead of the general elections, but the task force is determined to address the problem.
The task force has called on the government to extend support to empower their efforts and ensure that the fight against illegal mining is successful.