Fight Against Galamsey: 5 Arrested, 40 Changfans Destroyed on the Birim River
Law enforcement ramps up efforts to combat illegal mining activities
- Five illegal miners apprehended in a targeted operation
- 40 changfans destroyed to prevent further pollution
- Legal actions expected against arrested individuals
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners Taskforce has apprehended five individuals for illegal mining activities in the Birim River at Mampong, located in the Atewa East District of the Eastern Region.
During this operation, the task force also torched 40 changfans and seized two newly constructed changfans that were poised for deployment by illegal miners.
These suspects are part of a persistent group of illegal miners who resumed operations shortly after a military intervention had previously dismantled several changfans in the area. Two individuals were caught in the act while mining in the river, surrounded by the task force.
As the task force was exiting the site, they discovered a truck transporting two new changfans to the same location.
The truck’s occupants fled upon seeing the task force but were quickly pursued and apprehended.
A third individual, identified as Nana Kwadwo Ayimadu, claimed ownership of the changfans and attempted to thwart the task force’s efforts to tow the truck but was also arrested.
The suspects are now in custody at the Kibi District Police Command and are expected to face court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the truck and the new changfans have been handed over to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
Mr. Thomas Larbi, Treasurer of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, emphasized the organization’s dedication to combating illegal mining practices that threaten the nation’s water resources.
