The Nzema East Blue Water Guards of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Axim Police Command, have successfully disrupted illegal mining activities around the Draw River Forest Reserve.
The operation was carried out following a tip-off from JoyNews journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who reported ongoing galamsey operations in the area that were polluting the environment with unauthorized mining practices.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint team launched a raid that led to the arrest of 15 suspects, while several others fled upon spotting the security officers. Eleven changfang machines, 15 pumping machines, and additional equipment—including blankets, intakes, shovels, and rubber basins—were destroyed on site.
The team also seized ten pumping machines, 14 gallons of petrol and diesel, and a hunting gun, all of which were handed over to the police.
Eleven changfang machines, 15 pumping machines, and other equipment—including blankets, intakes, shovels, and rubber basins—were destroyed.
Additionally, ten pumping machines, 14 gallons of petrol and diesel, and one hunting gun were seized and sent to the police station.
In a related development, the Blue Water Guards conducted another operation in Wassa Amenfi East, achieving similar results.
The raid targeted a site near the road and the Ankobra River, resulting in the destruction of four pumping machines, one changfang, and three washing boards.
The suspects however fled before the task force arrived, and no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, police in both Axim and Wassa Amenfi East are pursuing the illegal miners who escaped during the operations.
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
