The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has announced plans to redeploy its task force to areas where illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey,’ has resumed which has led to severe environmental damage and water pollution.
This move comes after a break in the task force’s activities due to logistical challenges and the shooting of its commander, Major Don Chebe by illegal miners.
Previously, the task force had achieved notable success in combating illegal mining, including the arrest of over 800 dredgers and a significant reduction in water turbidity levels from 3000 to 50.
Speaking to Channel One News, the Association’s General Secretary, Godwin Armah, explained that, the resurgence of illegal mining has made it necessary for the task force to return to action.
Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly in terms of funding and logistics, Armah expressed optimism that with the support of paramount chiefs and the media, the task force could once again make a significant impact.
He highlighted the importance of working closely with traditional leaders to involve local communities in the fight against illegal mining, ensuring a more sustainable approach to environmental protection.
“The Association per our peer review, we have what we call our task force and also the monitoring team. The task force, you remember some time ago, just early, 2023…we started from the source of the Birim and up to where it enters the Pra, we segmented it and we started operations.
“So within two weeks, we were able to get turbidity levels from 2,000 to about 50, at various pump stations from Kyebi area.”
“The Bonsu area were able to get around 100 and something from 3,000, Osino up to Anyinam, and then we went to some part of communities around Akroful area, then straight to Kade. These are the areas where we did a lot of work. And I must say that if you ask the Ghana Water Company, the regional office in Koforidua, they were pleased with the work that we did.
“But this time we are going to work closely with the paramount chiefs so that they call people under them to order. When we get to the communities, we work with them. Some of the assemblies are helping, some are not also helping. But with the support of the media, I think we can go forward.”
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