The GNASSM task force destroys eight changfan vehicles

A Task Force of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) in Akwatia Zone has arrested three illegal miners at Akyem Okinso, a suburb of Akyem Asuom located along Birim River in Kwebibirem Municipality in the Eastern Region.

In a joint operation with the police to stop illegal mining activities and restore the Birim River to its natural state, the task force also destroyed eight Changfan machines and seized several pieces of mining equipment.

According to a report by adomonline.com, the culprits have been remanded at the Akyem Asu Police Station where they are expected to be charged to court. Their mining equipment was handed over to the police to assist in the investigation.

Susan Danquah Tete, women’s coordinator for the Eastern region of the Small-Scale Mining Association, which led the operation, said the activities of illegal miners had polluted water bodies and destroyed several cocoa farms and palm oil plantations.

She also noted that illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey had adversely affected the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the area.

JKB/OGB

Watch the latest series of briefing papers below: