As part of ongoing efforts by the government to combat illegal mining activities on river bodies, the Amansie South District Small Scale Mining Task Force has taken decisive action by burning chanfang machines and pumping equipment used for mining on local rivers.
The exercise, carried out by a joint task force consisting of officials from the Amansie South District Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, Immigration, the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), and the media, is aimed at preserving the country’s water bodies from the destructive effects of illegal mining.
During the operation, which targeted illegal mining sites along the rivers in the district, several machines used by illegal miners, including chanfang dredging machines and water-pumping equipment, were set ablaze to prevent their continued use.
This action forms part of the government’s renewed commitment to rid river bodies of illegal mining activities, which have severely polluted water sources in the region.
Speaking to the media after the joint exercise, the Chairman of the Amansie South District branch of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), Mr. Kwaku Abonee, also known as Osama, praised the initiative.
However, he stressed that the government should empower licensed small-scale miners to take a more active role in fighting illegal mining, or “galamsey,” particularly on river bodies.
According to him, small-scale miners, who are legally registered, understand the terrain and have the local knowledge needed to effectively counter illegal mining activities.
“Instead of instructing soldiers to lead the fight against galamsey, the government should give small-scale miners the mandate and authority to combat these illegal miners on river bodies,” Mr. Abonee stated.
He emphasized that licensed miners have a vested interest in protecting the environment since the illegal activities of galamsey operators directly affect their livelihoods by degrading the land and water sources.
Mr. Abonee also urged traditional authorities in the district to take a firm stance against the infiltration of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.
He called on chiefs to avoid entertaining any foreign miners in their communities, as many of these individuals engage in unregulated mining practices that harm the environment.
“The chiefs have a critical role to play in this fight. They must not allow foreigners to come into their communities and operate illegally on our rivers,” Mr. Abonee emphasized.
The impact of illegal mining, particularly in areas like Amansie South, has been a growing concern for both local communities and authorities, as it leads to severe environmental degradation, including the contamination of rivers with mercury and other harmful chemicals.
The government’s recent approach, which involves a coordinated effort from multiple agencies, seeks to address these issues comprehensively.
As the Amansie South District continues its efforts to combat illegal mining, stakeholders are calling for stronger collaboration between the government, local authorities, and licensed miners to ensure that the fight against galamsey yields lasting results.
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