56 illegal miners arrested at Tarkwa-Nsuaem

The Western Regional Security Council, in a joint operation against illegal mining conveyed by personnel from the Second Infantry Battalion, the Police and the Western Naval Command on Thursday, March 13, arrested 56 illegal miners at Kadadwen in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.

This nab was made around seven galamsey sites, with the suspects consisting of 47 males and 9 females who have been handed over to the Western Regional Police Command to be dealt with.

These illegal miners were caught operating within the Norpalm oil plantation and Ghana Rubber Company Ltd areas in the Ahanta West Municipality and the Mpohor District. However, with regards to this operation, the joint forces have extended a clampdown to the Ahanta West Municipality and the Mpohor District.

 Upon the arrival of the joint forces, the illegal miners fled, forsaking their equipment and leaving behind devastating pits. As a result, the forces seized various items, including three motorbikes, nine pumping machines, and three excavators, while also burning 25 Changfang machines.

This joint operation aiming illegal mining and environmental destruction was led by Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer Brigadier General Musa Whajah.

Speaking in an interview Brigadier General Musa Whajah said, the operation against illegal mining and the devastation of the environment forms part of President Mahama’s anti-galamsey fight and they will help fight against illegal mining.