Tarkwa nsuaem: The Western Regional Anti-Galamsey Task Force has conducted a swoop on illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Neung South Forest Reserve near Dompim in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. The team, through an intelligence-led operation, seized seven excavators, 18 water pumping machines, and a pump-action gun from the site. They also destroyed all makeshift structures used by the illegal miners at the site.
According to Ghana News Agency, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd), the Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, who led the operation, stated that the Neung South Forest Reserve had suffered extensive environmental damage, prompting action from the security team. He said, "The intelligence we had was that there were serious activities of galamsey along the Neung South Forest Reserve that is close to Dompim, so we needed to act."
Brig. Gen. Whajah (Rtd) further explained that during the operation, the team encountered seven excavators, though two were unserviceable. The control boards of three excavators were removed, and the remaining two were successfully tracked and located. The seized exhibits have been sent to the Simpa Police Station for further investigation.
He emphasized the team's commitment to combating the galamsey menace on water bodies and forest reserves to help safeguard the environment. Brig. Gen. Whajah (Rtd) also highlighted the necessity for the Task Force to sustain the operation given the devastation in the Neung South Forest Reserve, with the aim of eradicating galamsey activities in the area.
