The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) taskforce, Akwatia zone, has arrested three illegal miners in Akyem Okyinso, a suburb of Akyem Asuom in the Birim River in the Kwaebibirem Municipal of the Eastern Region.
Eight changfan machines were destroyed, and several pieces of mining equipment were seized in a joint operation with the police.
This move is part of GNASSM’s commitment to ensure that the Birim River is restored to its natural state.
The culprits are in custody at the Akyem Asuom police station, where they are expected to be processed for court.
Speaking to the media, Susan Danquah Tete, the Eastern Regional Women Coordinator for the Small Scale Mining Association who led the operation, reiterated that the activities of illegal miners have led to the destruction of water bodies, several cocoa farms, and palm oil plantations.
She noted that it has also negatively affected the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the area.
Meanwhile, the mining equipment has been handed over to the police to aid in their investigations.
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