A joint operation involving the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and members of the Operation Halt II has led to the destruction of 838 changfan machines on the Offin River.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Natural Resources, Mr George Mireku Duker and Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Mr Martin Kweku Ayisi were the officials that accompanied the military to seize the machines yesterday.
The team took hold of the machines from some recalcitrant individuals who have being undertaking illegal mining activities (galamsey) on the river for some time now.
According to Mr Mireku Duker, the arrest was made possible due to the constant tip off that the team received from the Commander of the military team, Brigadier Amoah Ayisi.
Mr Mireku Duker, while commending the military for the good job done, said it is unfortunate that people are still mining on river bodies despite the warnings from government.
“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 have done.”
He said his outfit is aware of the complexities in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, but said it will not give up because it has the total support of President Akufo-Addo and a section of the public.
The Deputy Minister charged Ghanaians to be wary of the danger of illegal mining and assist the government to deal with the canker. He also encouraged the public that it is their civic and patriotic duty to help the government win the war against illegal mining.
He assured that intense policing and protection will be conducted around the country’s water bodies and also announced new measures by the Minerals Commission for the permanent patrolling of the water bodies by the Operation Halt II team which will go a long in helping government to eradicate illegal mining.
The CEO of Minerals Commission, Mr Martin Kweku Ayisi, on his part said personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces will be deployed on major rivers in the country to deal with the galamsey canker.
