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Galamsey: Operation Halt II takes fight to Western Region, destroys more illegal mining equipment

Despite mixed reactions to Operation Halt II, the fourth phase of the military exercise commenced today, 27 May, in the Western Region

Just a day after President Akufo-Addo affirmed his government’s decision directing personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces to destroy any illegal mining equipment they come across on the banks of river bodies or in forest reserves, Operation Halt II has taken its activities to the Western Region.

It has destroyed several excavators there along the Bonusu River, River Ankobra and River Bonsa.

One of the excavators being destroyed by Operation Halt II forces

 

Asaase News sources close to the Operation Halt II team report that three units of the Ghana Armed Forces – the 2nd and 5th Infantry Battalions and the 64th Infantry Regiment – formed the nucleus of the operation.

Supporting elements were drawn from the Ghana navy, air force, Southern Command, 48th Engineers’ Regiment and the Support Service.

The Western Region operation commenced today (27 May 2021) and it is expected to end on Saturday 29 May.

Latest Operation Halt II action

“The three units conducted separate but well-coordinated and controlled patrols as part of their frantic and decisive duties to deal . . . with the menace of illegal mining in the Western Region,” the Asaase News source said.

 

“As part of efforts to clear river bodies and forest reserves of these notorious activities, which are destroying arable lands and polluting rivers, the two battalions destroyed two washing machines and floating platforms on the Bonusu River.

“At Prestea, the team destroyed 18 excavators within 100 metres astride Rivers Ankobra and Bonsa, together with makeshift structures. Three illegal mining structures sited along the River Ankobra were destroyed.”

Busting the changfans

The source also said, “Ten changfans and two water pumping machines sited along the Bonsa River were also destroyed.”

According to our source, at a village called Akango in the Evalue Gwira District of the Western Region, “The Operation Halt II team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Prince Tandoh, located and destroyed one excavator, 100 changfan machines, 20 water pumping machines, four motorbikes and other illegal mining equipment on a site close to the Ankobra River.”

A military officer prepares to set fire to illegal mining equipment in the latest phase of Operation Halt II

On galamsey

President Akufo-Addo yesterday (Wednesday 26 May) delivered a hard-hitting address during the sod-cutting ceremony for construction of the first phase of the “Law Village”, proposed facilities for the Ghana School of Law situated in the academic enclave near the University of Ghana Business School.

He declared that the illegal mining activities popularly known as “galamsey” are “monumental crimes which should not be condoned in any shape or form”.

“The presence of ‘changfans’ in water bodies is illegal, as is the unlawful use of excavators in protected forest zones,” President Akufo-Addo said. “The devastation caused by this equipment is nothing short of evil and we should not compromise in our efforts to protect our environment, forest reserves and water bodies.”

Proceed to court if aggrieved

The president did not mince his words as he supported the burning of illegal mining machinery.

“I say with all the emphasis at my command that no rights can accrue to or flow from the criminal venture of ‘galamsey’,” he declared during the speech. “The equipment, which is being used for illegal or criminal purpose, cannot confer on the owner or any other person any rights whatsoever.”

 

The president urged aggrieved individuals whose excavators have been burned to go to court.

“I know there are some who believe that the ongoing exercise of ridding our water bodies and forest zones of harmful equipment and machinery is unlawful and in some cases harsh,” he said.

“I strongly disagree and I will advise those who take a contrary view to go to court to vindicate their position if they so wish. That is what the rule of law is all about.”

Wilberforce Asare

Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
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#TheVoiceofOurLand

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