The fight against illegal mining in Ghana has taken a violent turn as an Anti-Galamsey Taskforce was ambushed by armed illegal miners at Offin Shelterbelt in the Atwima Mponua District.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, revealed the details of the attack in a statement on his X page, highlighting the dangers faced by security personnel in the battle against illegal mining.
According to Dr. Amoakohene, a combined taskforce made up of personnel from National Security, the Police, and the Forestry Commission encountered a violent assault during their operations.
“One officer was severely injured after being slashed in the knee with a machete and is currently in critical condition at KATH. These thugs were armed with assault rifles and machetes, and their tactics reveal how dangerous this fight against illegal mining has become,” he stated.
The attack did not deter the taskforce, as they successfully dismantled illegal mining operations in the region. Following media coverage, many of the perpetrators fled before they could be captured.
However, their hideouts were identified and cleared, ensuring that all forest reserves in the area were free from illegal mining activities.
At Kotokum, another key operation was conducted where illegal mining activities had been obstructing the construction of a vital bridge.
Dr. Amoakohene confirmed that these activities were dismantled, allowing construction to resume without interference. The operation also led to the seizure of key mining equipment, including nine control boards, six excavator paddles, seven batteries, and a fuse board.
Dr. Amoakohene commended the bravery of the taskforce and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining. “We commend the bravery of our taskforce. The fight against galamsey continues—and we will not relent,” he stated emphatically.
