The national task force of the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining along the Offin River, destroying more than 100 changfan machines used in polluting the waterbody.
Addressing the media, President of the Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, said the task force was inaugurated months ago to rid the Offin River and other water bodies of illegal miners, especially those operating directly on the river.
According to him, the task force began its most recent operation two weeks ago in Achiase, moving downstream to Beposo, Etuntuman, and Keniago in the Amansie West District.
“We have been able to clear people mining on our water bodies, especially on the upper stream of the Offin. Over 100 changfan machines have been destroyed,” he said.
He noted that the Association continues to monitor activities on the river using speedboats, and visible improvements in water clarity on the Offin upper stream show the impact of the operation.
Mr. Peprah dismissed claims that chiefs or political leaders shield illegal miners, saying the task force has rather enjoyed the full cooperation of traditional leaders, assembly members, and community committees.
“There is no law permitting anyone to mine in water bodies. We have never received pleas from any chief, MCE, or politician on behalf of these offenders,” he stated.
He added that illegal miners often flee the sites before the task force arrives, abandoning their machines, which are later destroyed and removed from the river.
While the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has begun clamping down on the use of changfan machines, Mr. Peprah cautioned against a complete nationwide ban. He argued that the machines have multiple legitimate uses, especially in northern Ghana, where they support milling and other industrial activities.
“Some pickups even use changfan engines. A total ban would be counterproductive. What we need is strict enforcement to stop their use for illegal mining,” he said.
The Association commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for supporting the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) with funds to sustain the fight against galamsey.
However, Mr. Peprah stressed that enforcement alone is not enough, calling for more public sensitization to complement government efforts.
“When communities understand that government is not their enemy but wants responsible mining, they cooperate better. Sensitization is key,” he noted.
The Association is urging its members and all small-scale miners to embrace responsible mining practices, including land reclamation.
“Whether you have a licence or not, the law mandates that you to reclaim any land you disturb. Before leaving any site, miners must restore the land to its natural state,” Mr. Peprah emphasised.
He further encouraged unlicensed miners to form cooperatives under the government’s responsible mining initiative to regularise their operations.
