The fight against illegal mining in the Western Region has recorded another success with the arrest of twelve suspected illegal miners and the destruction of 25 chanfang machines in a joint operation by the Western Regional Security Council.

This follows a petition from the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) over the massive destruction of its rubber plantation by illegal miners.

The devastation of cocoa farms by illegal miners has long been documented. But rubber plantations have now become the latest target.

The Ghana Rubber Estate Limited is counting its losses, with over six hectares of rubber plantation, some two thousand mature trees ready for tapping, destroyed in the Adiewoso enclave of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

The company says chemicals used in galamsey pits are killing trees prematurely, drastically reducing yields.

Acting on the company’s complaint, the Western Regional Security Council launched a special operation on Thursday, August 21.

The joint team, comprising soldiers from the Second Infantry Battalion, police, and national security operatives, stormed Adiewoso and Tettrem communities.

By the end of the exercise, 12 people, 11 men and a woman, were picked up. Two tricycles and a motorbike were retrieved, with twenty-five chanfang machines used for illegal mining set ablaze.

Brigadier General Whajah advised the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) to move beyond security operations and engage the host communities in a dialogue.

According to him, sustainable results can only be achieved if locals fully understand the economic dangers of illegal mining to the company’s survival.

The 12 suspects are currently in police custody at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality, assisting investigations, as the Regional Security Council vows to intensify the clampdown on galamsey.