A joint anti-illegal mining taskforce in Atiwa East has destroyed more than 100 machines used in galamsey operations along the Birim River, arrested two suspects, and pledged to sustain the fight despite resistance from some communities.
The operation, carried out at Ankaase and Anyinam in the Eastern Region, targeted inland “chanfan” machines that were being used to wash gold directly into the Birim River, leaving it heavily polluted and the environment degraded.
The taskforce, made up of military officers, police, and local volunteers, acted under the directive of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Ernest Owusu Ntim, who has charged the team to restore the river to its natural state.
Illegal miners, numbering about 100, fled on sighting the team, but two suspects were arrested. The difficult terrain and risk of drowning hampered further arrests.
At Ankaase, members of the taskforce also came under attack from men guarding the miners, but the military swiftly repelled the assault.
Taskforce leader, Sumaila Ahmed, noted that this was not the first operation of its kind, but lamented that illegal miners often return shortly after their equipment is destroyed. He further expressed concern about hostility from some community members, saying the team is sometimes met with insults and resistance.
Meanwhile, Alhassan Muniru, a community leader, has appealed to the government to ban the importation of “chanfan” machines and spare parts, stressing that cutting off their supply chain is key to ending galamsey.
The two arrested suspects are in police custody at Anyinam and are expected to be arraigned before the court.
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