A special taskforce set up by the Ahafo Regional Security Council has impounded mining equipment at Mansin in the Tano South Municipality following a clampdown on illegal mining activities in the area.
The operation, carried out with support from the police, led to the seizure of five pumping machines, three car wash machine and other mining tools suspected to be used in illegal mining.
Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Osman Mohammed, told Adom News that the raid was prompted by credible intelligence that some Chinese nationals had moved heavy excavators into the area and were preparing to commence illegal mining operations.
According to him, when the taskforce arrived at the site, the Chinese operators had already fled, allegedly tipped off by local collaborators hired to assist with their operations.
Alhaji Osman expressed concern over the environmental degradation already caused by the group.
He said the initial activities had polluted River Kwasu and destroyed large portions of the landscape which has posed a threat to the area’s ecosystem and water sources.
He disclosed that security personnel have since been stationed at the site to guard the impounded machinery before it is transferred to Goaso for further action.
Alhaji Osman noted that the regional security council has taken a firm stance against illegal mining, warning that such operations will not be tolerated anywhere within the region.
