Accra: Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), the Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, has stated that the anti-galamsey patrols and other operations along the banks of the Ankobra River in the region are yielding positive results. He said there had been a considerable decrease in illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the river bank in the Gwira area since the task force started its operation to clamp down on those involved in such activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Brig Gen Whajah (Rtd.) noted one significant observation from the patrols: there were noticeably fewer activities along the banks of the Ankobra River. This indicates that the task force's message is getting across to those illegally settling along the riverbank. Following a recent patrol, he reported that a joint security operation along the river had resulted in the destruction of over 150 Chanfang machines, razing of makeshift camps, and seizure of six excavators.
The operation yielded results with 153 Chanfang machines destroyed, 87 makeshift structures burnt, and six water pumps, a generator, six excavators, and an outboard motor seized. Brig Gen Whajah (Rtd.) remarked that during their patrol, they observed improvement on the surface of the river. However, they also encountered a few settlements along the riverbanks, with indications that some individuals are now operating at night.
To address this, he noted that their upcoming patrols would focus on destroying all unauthorized structures along the riverbanks, expressing confidence that with sustained efforts, they will achieve their objectives soon.
