Illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey," continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s natural resources and ecosystems. In a decisive operation on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force under the Inspector General of Police made significant strides in combating this menace by impounding three excavators suspected to have been used for illicit mining activities within the Dwendwenase Forest Reserve.
The operation, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bawah Abdul Jalil, mobilized a 37-member team from the Anti-Galamsey Unit based at Manso Adubia. Acting on actionable intelligence regarding illegal mining activities by foreign nationals—particularly Chinese miners—the task force deployed six service vehicles to the area to intercept the operations.
Upon arrival at the forest reserve, the suspects fled upon detecting the presence of law enforcement, leaving behind two excavators. While the team successfully started and loaded one of the machines onto a low-bed carrier, the second excavator was found to be immobile due to mechanical faults, complicating efforts to relocate it immediately.
Shortly after securing the first excavator, the task force received fresh intelligence about a third machine hidden in a nearby cocoa farm at a village called Atta Ne Atta, close to Dwendwenase. Acting swiftly, the team proceeded to the location and discovered the excavator in a tampered state—its critical components had been removed to render it inoperable. Nevertheless, with support from the technical unit, the machine was restarted and safely transported.
All three excavators have since been moved to the task force’s base at Patase for safekeeping and further investigation. This marks another milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities that threaten protected forest reserves and other critical ecosystems.
ASP Jalil emphasized the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural resources and reiterated the task force's unwavering commitment to curbing galamsey operations. He also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in such activities: desist immediately or face the full rigors of the law.
This latest operation highlights the growing resolve of Ghana’s security agencies to protect the nation’s environment from the devastating effects of illegal mining. Forest reserves like Dwendwenase are vital not only for biodiversity but also for water conservation, climate regulation, and sustainable livelihoods. The destructive impact of galamsey jeopardizes these essential functions, making enforcement efforts all the more urgent.
As Ghana intensifies its fight against illegal mining, public cooperation remains crucial. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force continues to serve as a beacon of hope in this challenging battle, demonstrating that with determination and coordinated efforts, illegal mining can be curtailed to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
-thechronicleonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
