Western Regional Security Council seizes excavators, weapons in major anti-galamsey operation

The Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has taken strong action against illegal mining. They confiscated eight excavators, seven pump-action guns, sixty-six cartridges, and four mobile phones. These items were seized from galamsey operators near the Ankobra River in Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency.

The operation began on Tuesday, May 20. It was led by Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson. A joint task force supported the effort. This group included personnel from various agencies like the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Police Service.

The task force also destroyed water pumping machines and makeshift shelters used by miners. These were located in hotspots such as Ampasie, Atongo Junction, Petro, and Dominase.

Brigadier-General Musa Whajah (Rtd.), the National Security Liaison Officer for the region, spoke after the operation. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to restoring the Ankobra River and its environment. He stated that this operation is not a one-time event.

"We will continue with more operations," he said. "We plan to deploy canoes to patrol the Ankobra and Pra Rivers." He emphasized that they aim to return these rivers to their natural state.

However, Brigadier-General Whajah noted that logistics remain a challenge for their efforts. Despite this issue, he assured that it would not derail their mission. "The devastation along riverbanks can slow us down," he added.

A visit to affected areas showed significant environmental damage. Large tracts of farmland and cocoa plantations have been destroyed due to mining activities. Some sites are alarmingly close to the Ankobra River, risking contamination of this vital water source.

Residents expressed frustration over environmental destruction and lack of local benefits from mining activities. Kwasi Sarboah from Ampasie claimed most illegal miners are outsiders who do not hire local youth.

"They extract sand and sell it back to us for construction," he said. "Our people aren’t getting jobs; we’re losing our farms and clean water."

Ekua Asantewaa, a local food vendor, mentioned difficulties accessing clean drinking water due to pollution in the river.

This operation is part of a broader government initiative against illegal mining in the Western Region. The goal is to protect vital water bodies and farmlands under threat.