A two-day anti-illegal mining operation in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region has resulted in the burning of several makeshift structures and control boards of excavators as well as the seizure of a pickup vehicle from illegal miners in the area.
Following a series of serious pollution incidents affecting the Tano River and surrounding farmlands, the Western Regional Security Task Force against illegal mining has, for the first time, extended its anti-illegal mining operations to Wassa Amenfi West.
The team, comprising of personnel from the National Security, the Western Naval Command, the Second Infantry Battalion, and the Blue Water Guards, conducted both land and riverine operations during this exercise.
It raided four communities; Sefwi Akroa, Yeberbe, Berna, and Atta Kwesi where illegal miners operate along the banks of the Tano River and wash their waste directly into the water.
However, upon assessing the Navy was unable to patrol the Tano River due to its current state.
It was observed that the illegal miners have developed a new strategy of removing essential parts of the excavators, including control boards and monitors, as well as demobilising the machinery, making it impossible for the taskforce to track the equipment.
“We discovered that most of the illegal miners were operating very close to the Tano River.
In fact, all their activities particularly the washing of soil drain directly into the river, causing serious pollution. We managed to seize some excavators, but upon hearing of our presence, all the miners fled.
They took most of the control boards and even removed some mechanical parts from the machines, making it difficult for us to evacuate them from the site.”He said.
Despite this, the team was able to burn makeshift structures along the riverbanks, destroy pumping machines, seize one Toyota pickup and remove three control boards of some excavators which was difficult to track due to the nature of the terrain.
The team leader, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd), stated there will be sustained operations on the river for illegal miners operating along the riverbanks to cease their activities.
“There will be sustained operations to create the necessary awareness for these illegal miners operating in the river and along its banks, compelling them to stop their activities in order to improve the health of the river.
The Tano River is particularly important because it shares a boundary with the Western North Region. Overall, I would say the operation was successful. We faced a number of challenges, but nothing that will hinder our operations. I can assure the good people of the Western Region that the Tano and Ankobra rivers will be rescued.” He added.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
