A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, yesterday, in the company of military officers of the Operation Halt II, stormed the Offin River in the Western Region to seize and decommission over 838 changfan machines.
The operation was aimed at reminding the illegal miners of government’s uncompromising and unshakeable stance against their activities.
After receiving detailed briefing from the commander of the military team, Brigadier Amoah Ayisi, on operations made so far, Mr Mireku Duker warned that government would not take its feet off the pedal until the canker of galamsey is nipped in the bud.
Assurance
He further assured that all waterbodies in the country would enjoy permanent protection from the personnel of the Ghana Armed Officers.
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission are aware of the complex nature of the galamsey war, but are not fazed as they have the total support of President Akufo-Addo and Ghanaians to protect the country’s waterbodies.
“Since Sunday, they’ve been patrolling Offin and Ankobra, making sure they arrest these recalcitrant who have been destroying our waterbodies. It is very unfortunate that, out of greed, people are destroying the heritage and future of this country. It is very unfortunate that despite government’s effort, people are still doing this,” he bemoaned.
He also lauded the military for all the work they had done, revealing that “so far, they have burnt over 900 equipment and it shows the incredible work they’ve done”.
The Deputy Minister charged Ghanaians to be wary of the dangers of illegal mining, and assist the government deal with the canker.
He said the new measures announced by the Minerals Commission, which include the permanent patrolling of the waterbodies by the Operation Halt III team, will go a long way in helping the government eradicate illegal mining.
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