NDC Officials Resist Attempts By Government Sanctioned Anti-Galamsey Task Force To Seize Mining Equipment

A government fact-finding mission tasked with assessing the impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, encountered significant resistance during operations in parts of Ghana’s Western and Central Regions. The team, which is working to curb the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, faced fierce opposition from miners and local officials, including members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The operation, which involved the seizure and destruction of mining equipment, has sparked widespread anger and exposed deep-seated tensions over the enforcement of environmental laws.

The advisory team, visiting heavily affected areas, took decisive action by confiscating and immobilizing equipment such as pumping machines, generators, and excavators. They also destroyed Changfan machines at galamsey sites in Anwia (near Nkroful), Prestea, and Dunkwa. However, the mission was met with hostility, particularly in Dunkwa, where illegal miners, led by the NDC Constituency Chairman, mobilized to confront the team. The NDC official, backed by angry miners and residents, claimed that the operation was conducted without prior consultation, further fueling tensions.

In Dunkwa, protesters, many of whom are directly involved in illegal mining activities along the Offin River, blocked roads and threatened to clash with the heavily armed security personnel accompanying the task force. The situation in Anwia was equally dire, with illegal mining operations causing severe damage to roads and nearly collapsing concrete storm drains. In response, the team dismantled equipment and set mining camps ablaze. Similar operations were carried out at a mining site behind a technical school in Nkroful, where multiple pumps and generators were seized.

In Baduwa No. 2, located in the Upper Denkyira East District, illegal mining along the Offin River was identified as a major environmental hazard, leading to frequent flooding and the destruction of farmlands. Residents expressed frustration over the long-term damage to their communities and criticized the government’s inability to effectively curb galamsey activities.

Tensions escalated further when the team, conducting an aerial scan of Dunkwa township, discovered a large-scale illegal excavation dangerously close to the town’s main bridge. As the team assessed the situation, an angry mob stormed the site, demanding their immediate withdrawal. The confrontation intensified as a crowd gathered near the bridge, openly challenging the security forces. Despite the hostility, the advisory team, led by Rear Admiral (Rtd) Moses Beick-Baffour, remained steadfast in its mission to gather critical information to inform government policy and strengthen future enforcement actions.

The resistance faced by the task force underscores the growing political and social tensions surrounding the enforcement of anti-galamsey measures. It also raises critical questions about governance, local complicity, and the challenges of enforcing environmental laws in Ghana. As the government intensifies its efforts to combat illegal mining, the incident highlights the complex interplay of economic, environmental, and political factors that continue to fuel the galamsey crisis. The success of future interventions will depend on addressing these underlying issues while ensuring that enforcement actions are conducted transparently and inclusively to gain the support of affected communities.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com