A joint task force comprising personnel from the First Infantry Battalion under the Southern Command and the Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested seven individuals for engaging in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in the Eastern Region.
The operation, spearheaded by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, covered areas including Akyem Kubriso in Lower West Akyem, Atewa West, Akyem Takyiman in the Kwaebibirim District, Ayensuano, and Osino in the Fanteakwa South District.
During the operation, security officers confiscated several pieces of equipment including multiple excavators, 16 water pumps, 24 excavator batteries, and a chainsaw machine.
Additional items retrieved from the illegal mining sites included two pump action guns, three single-barrel rifles, gold washing carpets, and a weighing scale.
Addressing the media on Saturday, April 12, Madam Rita Akosua Awatey reaffirmed her commitment to eliminating illegal mining activities in the region.
She emphasized that the joint security team would continue operations until financiers and operators of illegal mining are brought to justice.
“We will not relent in our efforts. The team will stay on the ground and pursue every individual or group behind galamsey operations,” the Regional Minister warned.
