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In the Ashanti Region, the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve witnessed the Operation Halt II team seizing five excavators while demolishing various other mining equipment.
The prevalence of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, has increased throughout the mining areas of the Ashanti Region. Alarming reports show the situation has been worsened, compelling the military to heighten their endeavors in suppressing such activities within the region.
To combat the predicament of illegal miners encroaching upon water bodies, the Ghana Armed Forces has successfully deployed soldiers of all ranks to inaugurate the second phase of Operation Halt. The primary aim is to eradicate all facets of logistical support and personnel implicated in the unlawful act of mining near water bodies.
During an extensive four-day operation, the dedicated team has made a solemn commitment to persist in executing similar exercises, effectively deterring unscrupulous individuals from partaking in such illicit practices.
Following the execution of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Louis Boakye, the Deputy Command Operations Officer of Central Command, expressed his thoughts to the media and earnestly implored all stakeholders to fulfill their respective roles efficaciously, subsequently addressing illegal mining.
Despite many attempts to convey messages to dissuade people from engaging in the harmful activities of illegal mining, observing their persistent resolve to continue these actions is disconcerting. Disturbingly, as the team concluded their operation, they intercepted indications that some individuals had promptly resumed their malicious activities. Lieutenant Colonel Boakye passionately appealed to all stakeholders to unite against illegal mining, recognizing that the military’s efforts did not surmount this predicament.
Undeniably, these activities inflict severe environmental harm, prompting Lieutenant Colonel Boakye to reiterate the assurance that those apprehended in the act would be duly surrendered to the police for prosecution, ensuring justice delivery.
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Source: Omanghana.com
