The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) taskforce, in collaboration with police have arrested an illegal miner on River Birim in Akyem Moaso in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.
About 20 changfan machines were also destroyed by the team who embarked on a special operation in the Atiwa West and East Districts.
The exercise is part of the commitment made by GNASSM to crack down on galamsey and to ensure that the Birim River is restored to its natural state.
The culprit was kept at the Akyem Anyinam police station before being transported to the Kibi Divisional Police Command, where he is expected to be processed for court.
Speaking to Adom News, the President of Small Scale Miners Association in the Region, Mohammed Amao, reiterated that the activities of the illegal miners have led to the destruction of water bodies, several cocoa farms, and palm oil plantations in the area.
He noted that, it also has negatively affected the activities of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the area.
Some GNASSM members added the devastation and the impact on the environment and the health of residents were enormous, and called on all communities experiencing illegal mining activities to join in the fight.
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