A dawn operation by the Ashanti Region Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has resulted in the seizure of thirteen excavators and several arrests at illegal mining sites in the Adansi enclave.
Captain (Rtd) John Kwame Jabari, the leader of the task force, described the operation as the most successful since the initiative began. He noted that all targeted excavators and suspects identified during reconnaissance were apprehended.
“It is the most successful because almost all the sites we visited allowed us to seize the machines and arrest the culprits involved in illegal mining activities,” he stated.
In an effort to combat these crimes, the task force is developing new operational modalities. A review of their strategy has contributed to the recent successes.
Captain Jabari emphasized, “We have changed our modus operandi multiple times, but this time we have perfected it.”
The current phase of the operation focuses on clearing waterways and preventing the destruction of cocoa farms, following what the taskforce describes as a successful recovery of forest reserves previously exploited by illegal miners.
The Adansi enclave is among the areas most severely affected by illegal mining, with large tracts of land devastated and many cocoa farms suffering significant damage.
Captain Jabari indicated that the operation was initiated in response to concerns raised by local residents. “Often, it is not our own intelligence; the people report these illegal activities to us, and we take action,” he added.
The task force continues to issue warnings to those involved in illegal mining, urging them to cease their activities.
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