Operation Halt II Task Force Confiscates Five Excavators and Destroys Mining Machinery in Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region.
The Operation Halt II team has confiscated and destroyed a combination of six pumping machines and additional mining equipment utilized by unauthorized miners within the reserve.
In a four-day operation conducted by a military task force targeting galamsey activities in the forest reserves of the Ashanti region, the equipment was seized and subsequently incinerated.
Four days ago, the Operation Halt II team was deployed to the region with the objective of combating galamsey in forest reserves. Additionally, their mission entails implementing continuous patrols to effectively curb illegal mining activities in these reserves.
Several floating platforms and equipment stationed in different parts of the reserve were deactivated and either destroyed or set on fire.
In recent times, the Bosomtwe Range Forest has become an appealing target for illegal miners.
Over the past three years, the Bosomtwe Range Forest has endured five instances of illegal mining incursions, with the diligent efforts of Forestry Commission staff repeatedly foiling the attempts of galamsey operators who persist in their unauthorized mining activities within the reserve.
The illicit miners have caused extensive damage to valuable trees and bodies of water within the reserve.
Despite the prompt response of Operation Halt II, who acted upon receiving a tipoff, the illegal miners, aided by the five excavators, managed to inflict significant damage to a portion of the forest reserve
within a span of fewer than three weeks from gaining entry.
Flt. Col. Louis Boakye, the Deputy Command Operations Officer of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, voiced concern over the increasing vulnerability of the reserve as it has become a prime target for galamsey operators.
He stated that the team would be relentless in eliminating stubborn illegal miners operating in the area.
"We would like to reiterate the government's unwavering and resolute position against galamsey operators. Those who persist and disregard any warnings should be prepared, as we will continue to pursue them relentlessly,"he affirmed.
He stated that the ongoing operation will continue until all waterways and forest reserves are free from the presence of illegal miners.