20 Galamseyers Apprehended At New Abirem

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Akyem Kotoku Environmental Task Force arrested 20 persons at New Abirem in the Eastern Region who had been engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey".

The arrest of the 20 persons included two Chinese nationals, once again pointing to the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining activities within Ghana. They were arrested in the Birim North District near the Roman Missionary House, where they had mounted three excavators, besides other mining equipment.

Operation Vanguard was aimed at curbing illegal mining, which has been one of the biggest challenges facing Ghana, particularly in its resource-rich regions such as the Eastern Region. The youth in the area had previously demonstrated and blocked the haulage of these same excavators that had been seized in this operation. According to the reports, equipment had been smuggled into the area, a situation blamed on the complicity of the local authorities.

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The DCE for Birim North, Hon. Raymond Nana Damptey, accused the chiefs and youth of the locality of facilitating galamsey operations in the district. He had denied these accusations but a viral video appeared to show him and a traditional leader trying to interfere with the operations of the task force.

Eric Gyataba, who headed the task force, expressed frustration with interference on the part of local authorities that complicates efforts to crack down on the illegal activity causing environmental degradation and water pollution. The arrest of these individuals is a small victory in the larger battle against illegal mining but underlines the need for greater enforcement and community cooperation to stop this menace before irreparable damage can take place.

The galamsey crisis is an issue that has plagued Ghana for some time now, and only bold steps can be taken to ensure both environmental protection and the rule of law.