Ghana's Armed Forces Conduct Operation Against Illegal Gold Mining

 The NAIMOS Task Force and several other units of the Ghana Armed Forces conducted an operation against illegal small-scale gold mining (galamsey) on the Ankobra River on September 17. This was announced by the spokesperson for the country's president, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on social media.

The crackdown on illegal miners took place in the East Nzema Municipality of the Western Region. The operation also involved the Western Regional Security Council, the Western Naval Command, and the East Nzema Blue Guards vigilante group.

Over a three-week period, the security forces moved along the banks of the Ankobra, dismantling structures built for mineral collection and seizing machinery and equipment.

"A well-coordinated operation was carried out, resulting in the seizure of tools and equipment used for illegal mining, as well as the demolition of several makeshift structures," the statement said.

Security forces burned 20 structures, destroyed 10 riverbed dredging platforms, and confiscated four motorcycles, 15 pumping machines, three gas cylinders, and other equipment.

According to local media, illegal mining leads to mercury and other harmful substances entering the local food chain, causing long-term health damage.

Illegal miners in Ghana are referred to as "galamsey," a term derived from local languages meaning "gather and sell."

In April, Ghanaian authorities banned foreigners from trading gold on the domestic market and from exporting the precious metal. The government also revoked all licenses for the buying and selling of artisanally mined gold. These measures were necessary to support the government's fight against "galamsey." Small-scale mines, as opposed to concessions run by multinational companies, account for about 40% of Ghana's total gold output. An estimated 70-80% of these small-scale mines operate without licenses.

Alexander Kholodov