The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, in partnership with the military, has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly along the Birim River, as part of the government's broader strategy to protect the environment.

This operation aims to address the environmental damage caused by galamsey, focusing on water bodies severely affected by such activities.

As part of the recent crackdown, 18 chanfan machines, commonly used for illegal gold extraction, were seized and destroyed on the banks of the Birim River. They also destroyed 10 water pumping machines.

The operation, carried out under the enhanced “Operation Halt” initiative, also involved the burning of other industrial equipment linked to illegal mining.

The move is part of efforts to restore the river, which has suffered significant pollution due to the activities of illegal miners.

The task force, led by the military, first targeted the Anyinam area in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region, a known hotspot for illegal mining.

However, reports indicate that many illegal miners fled the site after receiving a tip-off, temporarily halting their activities before the task force’s arrival. Despite this, the military successfully seized and destroyed key equipment used in the illegal operations.

Col. Eric Tenadu, Commander of the Operation Halt Task Force, revealed that the military would maintain a strong presence around the Birim River and other targeted areas for the next two weeks.

This is part of the first phase of a broader effort to clamp down on galamsey operations, which have significantly damaged Ghana's water bodies and ecosystems.

"We are launching this operation to make sure that we clear our water bodies. Whether registered or unregistered, we don’t care, our concern is the water body, so far as you are close to the water body, you are our target.”

The collaboration between the military and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners is seen as a crucial step in curbing illegal mining.

Authorities hope that the operation will serve as a deterrent and contribute to long-term environmental restoration in areas heavily affected by galamsey activities.