Massive Demolition OnOffin River

The raging war against illegal mining, notoriously called “galamsey” is far from over, as hundreds of Changfans machines, generators and other equipment used by the miners have been destroyed, without fear or favour, in a special operation.

The swift operation last Tuesday, August 16, on Offin River, occurred when Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George MirekuDuker, together with anti-galamsey military taskforce, ‘Operation Hall II’ stormed the galamsey areas.

The joint-military action, which is aimed at flushing out the illegal miners was to remind them of government’s uncompromising stance against the menace, saw the team of military officers seize over 800 changfans belonging to the miners and set them ablaze.

The move became necessary, following multiple reports of illegal mining activities on the Offin River in the Western Region, as a result of improved reporting mechanisms.

MirekuDuker, who was visibly unhappy with developments, warned that government will not take its feet off the pedal until the canker of galamsey is nipped in the bud.

This was after he received detailed briefing from the Commander of the Military team, Brigadier Amoah Ayisi, on operations made since Sunday, August 16, when they moved to the site.

Mr. Duker assured that all water-bodies in the country will enjoy permanent protection from the personnel of the Ghana Armed Officers.

According to him, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission is aware of the complex nature of the galamsey war, but are not fazed, because it has the total support of President Akufo-Addo and Ghanaians to protect the country’s water-bodies.

“Since Sunday, they’ve been patrolling Offin and Ankobra, making sure they arrest these recalcitrant miners who have been destroying our water-bodies. It is very unfortunate that out of greed, people are destroying the heritage and future of this country. It is very unfortunate that despite government’s effort, people are still doing this”.

“It is sad that people are mining in a river body without any shred of responsibility of being a Ghanaian. I want to commend the military for all the work they’ve done. So, far they have burnt over 900 equipment and it shows the incredible work they’ve done,” he said.

The Deputy Minister charged Ghanaians to be wary of the danger of illegal mining and assist the government deal with the canker and also, encouraged the public that it is civic and patriotic duty for them to help the government win the war against illegal mining.

He stated that, the new measures announced by the Minerals Commission which details the permanent patrolling of the water-bodies by the Operation Halt III team will go a long in helping the government eradicate illegal mining.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Sunday, August 14, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, disclosed that as part of government’s permanent solution to fight against illegal mining, Ministry of Lands and the Commission will collaborate with the Security agencies to patrol all river bodies.

According to him, with the help of the recently commissioned speedboats, rivers, such as Pra, Ankobrah, Offin, Birim and Black Volta would be guarded strictly as way of preventing illegal miners from returning to mine in the water bodies.

He mentioned that, the fight against the menace requires concerted efforts and, everyone needs to get involved to volunteer information on any form of illegal mining activity, across the country, to enable the Commission together with security agencies, to act swiftly on it.

Mr. Ayisiassured the public that, the patrol will not only focus on the main water-bodies, but also, on tributaries and small streams.

Source: Anchorghana