Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) deployed in the fight against illegal mining in forest reserves and river bodies have made significant gains following the seizure of some 30 excavators within three weeks.
The Operation Halt Il team also destroyed four excavators and immobilised four others on site.
Per a press statement issued and signed by Captain Michael Addo Larbi, Director Public Relations, a total of 103 Changfan machines, nine water pumping machines, five generator sets, two fuel storage tanks and other improvised mining equipment and structures were destroyed.
Additionally, the Operation Halt ll team seized six motorbikes and one motor king tricycle.
This follows the series of operations conducted within a three-week period at Kade, Ofoase, Oda, and Pra Anom along the banks of Rivers Birim and Pra in the Southern Command Area of Operational Responsibility.
In the Central Command Area of Operational Responsibility, the operations were conducted at Yawkrom, Agroyesum and Takorase along the River Offin. Following these successful operations, there has been a gradual improvement in the turbidity of these Rivers.
In respect of arrests, at Banda Nkwanta in the Northern Command Area of Operational Responsibility, the Operation Halt II team arrested eight suspected illegal miners and handed them over to the Banda Nkwanta District Police Station.
The Ghana Armed Forces assured the general public of its commitment to the fight against illegal mining on river bodies and in the forest reserves, calling for the support of all to enforce the necessary measures in the interest of Ghana’s socio-economic development.
By Vincent Kubi