The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, has launched a full-scale offensive against illegal mining activities in the region, following extensive engagements with key stakeholders on the devastating impact of “galamsey” on forest reserves, water bodies, and farmlands.
In a decisive move, a joint task force composed of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces’ First Infantry Battalion and the Eastern Regional Police Command has been deployed to critical hotspots. The ongoing operation has already yielded significant results, including the arrest of seven suspected illegal miners.
The coordinated swoop, personally led by Minister Awatey, covered communities such as Akyem Kubriso, Atewa West, Akyem Takyiman, Ayensuano, and Osino—areas identified as major illegal mining zones.
During the operation, the task force seized a cache of equipment believed to have been used in the destruction of water bodies and farmlands. These included multiple excavators, 16 water pumps, 24 excavator batteries, a chainsaw, washing carpets, a gold scale, and several weapons—two pump action guns and three single-barrel rifles.
Hon. Awatey, addressing the media after the operation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rooting out illegal mining and restoring environmental integrity across the region. “This is not a one-off exercise,” she emphasized. “We are committed to sustained action to protect our water bodies, forests, and the livelihoods of our people.”
She also urged local communities to support the ongoing efforts by reporting illegal mining activities and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will be processed for court in the coming days.
