Banda district: A joint military-police Anti-galamsey task force has arrested 31 suspected illegal miners in an anti-galamsey operation conducted at 'Operator,' an emerging illegal mining community in the Banda District of the Bono Region. Led by Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the taskforce carried out a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, which included burning 150 makeshift and unauthorized structures and seizing 11 excavator machines, about 15 motorbikes, and 10 tricycles.
According to Ghana News Agency, the operation also resulted in the seizure of quantities of fuel and the destruction of eight Chanfan machines, which were apparently used by the illegal miners. This operation has led to the displacement of more than 1,000 residents, including women and children, in the community. Mr. Akwaboa, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the operation, emphasized that the anti-galamsey operation would be intensified to curb the growing illegal mining activities in the region, and any suspects apprehended would face prosecution.
Mr. Akwaboa added that the Regional Coordinating Council plans to submit a report to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This report will seek guidance on the possibility of reclaiming the degraded land in the illegal mining community. In a related development, Madam Abiba, a mother of four and the operator of the largest drinking bar in the area, expressed her concerns to the Ghana News Agency. She mentioned that she had been working in the area for about five years and that the taskforce operation would adversely affect her business. She urged the government to create employment opportunities for the youth, as many were involved in galamsey due to a lack of decent jobs.
