The Ahafo Regional Security Council has dismantled an illegal mining (galamsey) site at Adagyamemu in the Tano North Municipality and seized five excavators and other mining equipment during a major anti-galamsey operation.
The operation was led by Charity Gardiner following reports of extensive environmental destruction and the worsening pollution of the Tano River caused by illegal mining activities.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, Gardiner said the council had intensified surveillance and enforcement activities along the river to curb illegal mining in the area.
“We have intensified the fight against galamsey with a major operation at Adagyamemu in the Tano North Municipality,” she stated.
She described the Tano River as a critical source of drinking water for communities in the Ahafo and Bono regions and stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent further contamination.
“The Tano River remains a major source of drinking water for parts of the Ahafo and Bono Regions,” she said, adding that the council would continue taking swift action against illegal mining operations threatening the water body.
Collins Dauda, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi, who joined the operation, expressed concern over the destruction of rivers and water bodies across the country by illegal miners.
He said the exercise formed part of broader government efforts to protect the environment and preserve water resources for future generations, and urged the security council to expand its operations to other affected areas.
Deputy Commissioner of Police James Annor also assured the public of the Police Service’s commitment to supporting the anti-galamsey campaign.
He warned that security personnel found participating in illegal mining activities would face sanctions and disclosed that additional personnel could be requested from the Police Administration to strengthen ongoing operations.
Source: GNA
