Ghanaian authorities have stepped up their fight against illegal mining, especially in areas near bodies of water.
The government, with the support of the military and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, aims to protect the environment.
In a recent operation, authorities destroyed equipment used for illegal gold mining, including three “chanfan” machines, along the banks of the Birim River.
The government has taken a strong stance against illegal mining, deploying the military to curb the harmful activities, particularly those polluting water sources.
This initiative, known as “Operation Halt”, aims to crackdown on illegal mining operations, with a recent focus on the Birim River. The Birim River, a vital source of water, has been heavily damaged by illegal mining practices, leading to urgent intervention by authorities.
A military task force, tasked with curbing illegal mining, began their operations in Anyinam, a notorious site for illicit mining in the Eastern Region’s Atiwa East District. Despite their efforts, reports indicate that many miners, alerted to the task force’s approach, had ceased operations before their arrival.
The recent destruction of illegal mining equipment represents a significant step towards restoring the Birim River and protecting the environment. Although the timeframe for this operation is uncertain, it signifies a commitment to addressing the harmful effects of illegal mining.
This collaborative effort between the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the military highlights a critical approach to tackling illegal mining. This practice has caused significant damage to Ghana’s water resources and ecosystems, and this partnership is crucial in reversing these negative impacts.
Col. Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, has announced that the military will remain stationed around the Birim River and other targeted areas for the next two weeks as part of the first phase of the operation against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Col. Tenadu expressed optimism that the operation would lead to a significant improvement in the condition of water bodies affected by illegal mining, stating, “We are launching this operation to make sure that we clear our water bodies. Whether registered or unregistered, we don’t care, our concern is the water body, so far as you are close to the water body, you are our target.”
He added, “We are confident that the water bodies will start to regain their natural state.” He emphasized that restoring these vital water sources, which have been severely polluted by galamsey activities, is a key objective of the task force.
The Operation Halt crackdown follows massive public pressure, spurred by consistent media coverage and advocacy from several civil society organizations (CSOs) demanding urgent government action. Media outlets and CSOs have been vocal about the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, calling for more stringent enforcement and protection of Ghana’s natural resources.
This mounting pressure compelled the government to deploy additional military forces to tackle the illegal mining crisis, beginning with hotspot areas like the Eastern Region.
The presence of military personnel for the two-week period aims to not only halt ongoing illegal mining activities but also prevent miners from resuming operations.
Source:dailymailgh.com