“Operation Vanguard 17 Task Force”, a joint security task force working to make sure illegal mining known as galamsey is eliminated in the Western Region, have destroyed 73 Changfang machines which were illegally built on the Bonsa and Tano Rivers to prospect for gold nuggets.
The seized machines were burnt to deter others from engaging in such unlawful activity which has destroyed most of our water bodies and arable farmlands.
Superintendent of Police William Kwofie Jabialu, Commander of the Task Force led the group made up of police officers and men to carry out the exercise.
Speaking to journalists after the operation, Supt Jabialu said the “Operation Vanguard 17 Task Force” commenced work on March 12, 2021 and used five (5) days to embark on the operation.
He announced that the exercise was part of their mandate to conduct routine visits daily to curb illegal mining activities on lands and also save the water bodies in the Western Region.
“The activities of these floating boats on the rivers among others are the main cause of the poor water turbidity,” he lamented.
However, Supt Jabialu said his team could not cause any arrest because many of the illegal miners upon seeing them fled.
He therefore warned the illegal miners to stop the act or be arrested to face the full rigors of the law when arrested.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
