A combined anti-galamsey task force, consisting of personnel from the Western Naval Command, Second Infantry Battalion, National Security operatives, and NAIMOS, conducted some 8 hours riverine operation on the Ankobra River.
The operation, sanctioned by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah and Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, targeted illegal mining activities from Gwira Dominase downstream to Gwira Eshiem upstream in the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira constituency.
The operation yielded significant results with 85 changfangs destroyed, 1 water pumping machine seized, 2 unauthorized structures burnt, discovery and destruction of changfang manufacturing cell and 5 newly built changfangs at Ampensea.
Western Region National Security Liaison Officer Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), who led the task force stressed the importance of sustained patrols on the Ankobra River.
“The third successful operation by Western Naval Command and Second Infantry Battalion highlights the need for sustained regular patrolling upstream to curb illegal mining, Intensified community engagement is crucial to change local attitudes towards responsible mining practices” he said.
He observed a notable decrease in illegal mining activities along the Ankobra River’s banks in the Gwira area, marking a significant improvement compared to previous patrols.
“Pollution observed to be more serious upstream than lower stream, Illegal mining activities more prevalent upstream and gradually change in River Ankobra’s watercolor observed”. He added.
