The task force set up by the Eastern Regional Security Council to clamp down on illegal mining has apprehended eight illegal miners and impounded dozens of mining equipment across the Denkyembuor, Atiwa West, Fanteakwa, and Ayensuano districts.

The operation, which took place on Friday, was executed by a task force consisting of joint police and military officers from the Eastern Regional Police Command and the Southern Command.

Among the confiscated items were 24 excavator batteries, 16 pumping machines, 1 chainsaw machine, 3 monitors, 5 control boards, 3 single-barrel guns, 2 pump-action rifles, cartridges, and cash amounting to GHC 3,000.

In a media address after what she described as a successful operation, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, emphasized President John Mahama’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining.

“For the past few days, we’ve been working alongside the military and police across the Eastern Region to ensure that the mandate given by the president is upheld,” she said.

She pointed out the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining in the region. “Our waters are polluted, the environment is destroyed, pits are left uncovered, and our forests are being ravaged. It’s a hazard to our nation and the region,” she added. “In the short time our team has been on the ground, we’ve already seized several excavators.”

The regional minister highlighted that the operation was part of the government’s efforts to ensure clean raw water for the Ghana Water Company Limited, to support domestic water supply. “We’ve been working with water service providers, especially those responsible for water works, because access to clean water has become a major issue in our communities,” she said.

She assured the public that the task force would not be withdrawing anytime soon. “Our men are on the ground and they’re not leaving until we put a stop to illegal mining and restore the environment,” she said.

On the issue of the seized equipment, the minister assured the public that none of it would be returned to its owners. “The excavators are used to destroy the environment. If we leave them, the illegal miners will return to the forests. We will keep them until the president gives further instructions,” she stated.

She also reiterated that the suspects would be prosecuted. “We will allow the law to take its course. Whatever the law decides regarding their actions, we will respect that,” she concluded.

In a departure from previous governments’ approach, which involved burning seized excavators, Minister Awatey confirmed that the current administration would not adopt that strategy. “Our government will not burn any excavators. If the orders come to use them for work in the region, we can consider that,” she said.