A task force from the National Association of Small Scale Miners has conducted a major operation on the River Tano in Asankragua and surrounding areas of the Amenfi West District.

The exercise took place on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, targeting illegal mining (galamsey) activities. 

During the raid, the task force seized various equipment used by the illegal miners. However, upon spotting the task force, the miners fled the scene, abandoning their machinery and tools on the Tano.

With no one to arrest, the task force decided to destroy the mining machines left behind. The equipment found on the river, including dredging machines, were set ablaze.

Furthermore, other items such as water pumps, motors, and tanks were confiscated as evidence.

A Secretary of the Asankragua Small Scale Association, Original Sankwan, who doubles as a spokesperson stated the task force was committed to intensifying efforts to clamp down on galamsey, particularly operations damaging river bodies.

He emphasised the association will not allow illegal mining activities that devastate the environment.

The association reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and vowed to continue the fight against illegal mining to protect the environment for future generations.