Declare Galamsey Areas as Security Zones – Kofi Bentil
Sep 20, 2025
Small-Scale Miners' Taskforce Destroys Over 120 Illegal Mining Machines in Ashanti Region
October 22, 2025
A special taskforce deployed by the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has destroyed more than 120 pieces of heavy mining equipment used by illegal miners operating along major rivers in the Ashanti Region.
The two-week operation, which the Association describes as complementary to the government's nationwide anti-galamsey campaign, has targeted illegal mining hotspots where unregulated activities have caused severe pollution to critical water bodies.
Multi-District Operation
The taskforce commenced operations in the Ahafo Ano South West District, where illegal mining activities had heavily polluted the Mankran and Offin Rivers, two important water sources for surrounding communities. The team subsequently expanded operations to Amadaa and Kotokuom in the Atwima Mponua District.
During the raids, numerous illegal miners abandoned their sites upon sighting the taskforce, leaving behind excavators, chanfan platforms, engines, and various mining accessories. All abandoned equipment was subsequently destroyed to prevent its reuse in illegal mining activities.
Commitment to Environmental Protection
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana, emphasized the group's determination to sustain the anti-galamsey operation to protect the nation's water bodies and agricultural lands.
"We are committed to protecting our water bodies and farmlands. This operation will continue as we work hand-in-hand with the government to eliminate illegal mining activities that are destroying our environment," Mr. Peprah stated.
The Association's leader noted that the taskforce is actively supporting government efforts to combat illegal mining nationwide, providing additional capacity to enforcement agencies working to curb the environmental menace.
Community Education Initiative
Beyond the enforcement operations, Mr. Peprah revealed that the Association has also launched an education campaign in mining communities to build grassroots support for the anti-galamsey fight.
The educational component aims to help community members understand the long-term consequences of illegal mining and encourage their active participation in reporting and preventing such activities in their localities.
Environmental Impact
The Mankran and Offin Rivers, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining in the Ahafo Ano South West District, serve as vital water sources for numerous communities and support agricultural activities in the region. The pollution of these water bodies has created significant challenges for residents who depend on them for drinking water, farming, and other daily needs.
The destruction of chanfan platforms—makeshift structures used for washing mined materials in rivers—represents a critical intervention, as these platforms directly discharge pollutants and sediments into water bodies, causing immediate and severe contamination.
Private Sector Support for Government Campaign
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association's initiative represents a significant example of private sector and civil society collaboration with government anti-galamsey efforts. The Association's willingness to deploy resources and personnel to combat illegal mining demonstrates growing recognition within the legitimate mining sector of the need to protect the industry's reputation and environmental sustainability.
The government has intensified its fight against illegal mining in recent months following public outcry over the degradation of major rivers and forest reserves. The campaign has involved multiple agencies including the military, police, Environmental Protection Authority, and Forestry Commission.
Ongoing Operations
Mr. Peprah indicated that the taskforce will continue its operations across other affected areas in the Ashanti Region and potentially expand to other regions where illegal mining threatens water bodies and the environment.
The Association called on law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, and local communities to support the anti-galamsey campaign by providing intelligence on illegal mining operations and refusing to shield perpetrators.
The destruction of over 120 pieces of mining equipment represents a significant blow to illegal mining operations in the targeted districts, though experts note that sustained enforcement and community engagement will be necessary to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities.
