Sixty-nine illegal mining machines have been confiscated and destroyed by an anti-galamsey taskforce in Dunkwa-on-Offin, Central Region.
The ‘Stop Galamsey Operation’ Taskforce at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central Region destroyed 19 machines on Tuesday and followed up with 50 machines on Wednesday.
The machines were used by illegal miners operating on River Offin, which serves as the major source of water for residents in the Upper Denkyira East District.
The taskforce was set up by the Chief of Dunkwa-On-Offin, Okofrobuor Obeng Nuako III, in collaboration with the Dunkwa-On-Offin Small Scale Mining Association and it has representations from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Minerals Commission, Ghana Police Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Dunkwa Traditional Council.
The Public Relation Officer of ‘Stop Galamsey Taskforce’ in Dunkwa Offin, Peter Ayilkey, confirming their latest action to the media, said government’s effort to crack down on galamsey would be better fought if traditional rulers and legal small scale miners got involved.
He further appealed for support from government to reduce or halt activities of illegal miners which have led to the pollution of many water bodies in the country.
The Dunkwa Small Scale Mining Association said they supported Lands Minister John Peter Amewu’s roadmap to ending activities of illegal miners because of the death traps the galamseyers –as they are called – are creating in the community.
“We have always advised them to leave but they don’t want to leave,” the Association said, adding they have given their support to the Taskforce to destroy equipment used by the illegal miners.
Instructions have also been given the team to hand over those apprehended to the police.
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