A special anti-illegal mining taskforce belonging to the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has raided the Nyamedomso camp near Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South West District and succeeded in warding off some illegal miners.
The illegal miners were busily engaged in their activities, destroying the River Mankran — a major water source used for domestic and farming activities in the area.
The pollution of the river has also caused damage to other water sources, including the River Offin, which serves many farming communities in the Ashanti Region.
The miners fled upon seeing members of the taskforce, who went ahead to dismantle sheds and other equipment belonging to them.
A member of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Philip Bawa, accused opinion leaders in the community of harbouring the illegal miners.
He warned that the taskforce will sustain the operation to complement efforts by the government and stated that individuals supporting the illegal miners will be exposed.
“Having observed this, we have issued a strong warning to them and I am repeating it to them that on our return if we see any such action on this river Mankran the community leaders are going to be held responsible because they are responsible for the people staying here so they harbouring them and abetting their activities,” he stated.
The District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South West, Abubakar Saddique says the Assembly’s taskforce will collaborate with the Small Scale Miners to fight against illegal mining.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Ghana Concerned Small Scale Miners Task Force. They were here this morning and they have undertaken a lot of operations around. So with their help and the help of the traditional leaders I think we will be able to curb this menace.”
