A special task force created by the Eastern Regional Security Council has arrested seven people involved in illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey.
The team also seized a large number of mining machines from the Denkyembuor, Atiwa West, Fanteakwa, and Ayensuano districts.
The operation took place on Friday, April 11, 2025. It was carried out by a joint team of police officers from the Eastern Regional Police Command and military personnel from the Southern Command.
According to Adom Online, the task force seized 24 excavator batteries, 16 water pumping machines, one chainsaw, three monitors, five control boards, three single-barrel guns, two pump-action rifles, some cartridges, and an amount of GHC 3,000.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who spoke to the media after the operation, described it as successful. She said President John Mahama’s government is serious about stopping galamsey.
“For the past few days, we’ve been working closely with the police and military to make sure the president’s directive is carried out,” she said.
The minister spoke about the harm illegal mining is causing to the environment.
“Our rivers are dirty, trees are cut down, and deep pits are left uncovered. All of this is dangerous for the people and the future of the region. In just a short time, we have already seized several excavators from these illegal miners,” she stated.
She also explained that the main goal of the operation is to protect water sources so that the Ghana Water Company Limited can provide clean water to homes.
“We’ve been working with water providers to make sure people have safe water to use, because this is becoming a serious problem in many communities,” she added.
The minister promised that the task force would stay active for as long as needed.
“Our men are still on the ground. They are not leaving until illegal mining stops and the environment is safe again,” she stressed.
Speaking about the seized items, she made it clear that the equipment would not be returned. “These machines are used to destroy the land and forests. If we give them back, the miners will continue their illegal work. We will hold on to them until the president gives us further instructions,” she said.
She also said the arrested suspects would face the law.
“We will allow the law to work. Whatever decision the court makes will be respected,” she stated.
Unlike past governments that used to burn seized excavators, Minister Awatey said this government would not do that. “We won’t burn any machines. If we need them for work in the region, we will consider that option,” she added.
