The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has teamed up with the military to safeguard the country’s vital water bodies. This collaboration is part of the government’s broader initiative to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
As part of this operation, authorities seized and incinerated three chanfan machines, typically used for illegal gold extraction, alongside other industrial equipment on the banks of the polluted Birim River. This move is aligned with the government’s recent deployment of armed forces to enforce the enhanced “Operation Halt,” specifically targeting illegal mining activities in sensitive areas.
The Birim River, a crucial water source for many communities, has suffered extensive contamination due to illegal mining practices. The military task force initiated its operations in Anyinam, a recognized hotspot for these activities within the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region.
Despite the operation’s objectives, reports indicate that many miners fled the area after receiving advance warnings, temporarily disrupting their operations.
While the exact duration of this crackdown is still unclear, the destruction of illegal mining equipment is a significant milestone in the effort to rehabilitate the Birim River and combat further environmental harm.
Col. Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, announced that military personnel would be stationed around the Birim River and other targeted locations for the next two weeks. He expressed confidence in the operation’s potential to improve the conditions of water bodies impacted by illegal mining, stating, “We are launching this operation to ensure our water bodies are clear. Our focus is solely on protecting these resources.”
Col. Tenadu underscored the importance of restoring the natural state of water sources that have been severely polluted by galamsey activities.
This military-led initiative follows mounting public pressure and advocacy from civil society organizations (CSOs) that have spotlighted the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining. Their calls for immediate government action have been instrumental in the decision to deploy additional military forces, particularly in hotspot regions like the Eastern Region.
The aim of having military personnel in these areas is not only to stop ongoing illegal mining but also to prevent miners from returning, marking a critical step in Ghana’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and protecting the health of its water bodies.
