A joint military and police anti-illegal mining task force led by the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has shut down a notorious galamsey settlement known as ‘Operator’ at Sugbukrom, in the Banda District. The operation lasted for more than ten hours where security forces seized mining equipment, demolished and burnt structures housing over 2,000 illegal miners and also arrested some suspects. The crackdown led by the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, with over 100 security personnel comprising the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Armed forces and Ghana Police service, stormed ‘Operator’, destroying illegal mining sites and confiscating equipment. During the operation, authorities seized 11 excavators, 16 motorbikes, and several motorbikes from the miners. Numerous changfang machines were also destroyed along the Tain River in a bid to halt the ongoing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining. Mr. Akwaboa emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to protect the region’s lands and water bodies from further destruction. “We will not relent in this fight. A detailed report will be submitted to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and once approved, reclamation of degraded lands will begin under strict guidelines,” he stated.
Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa,
Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa, who sanctioned the operation, said the effort would not be a one-off intervention but part of a weekly campaign to sustain the crackdown on illegal mining. “We are coming after them. Every week. We’re going to make galamsey a very risky and uncomfortable venture in this region” he asserted. He indicated that a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and once approval is granted, reclamation of degraded lands will commence under ministerial guidelines. “Once we get the green light, the reclamation will start. We will follow all the modalities they provide.” The Minister praised the commitment of the military and police officers involved and urged illegal miners to vacate forest areas for their own safety. However, he has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, vowing to clamp down on the destructive practice of ‘galamsey’ in the region. While the operation targeted illegal miners, some local businesses were also affected. Madam Abiba, a trader and mother of four from Techiman, lamented the destruction of her makeshift shop, which she had operated at the site for over five years.
“This was my only source of income. I understand the need to stop galamsey, but I don’t know how I will take care of my children now,” she said. With the Regional Minister pledging to sustain the crackdown, the question remains whether this operation will finally put an end to illegal mining in the region. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious mining activities as the government intensifies efforts to combat environmental destruction.