VIDEOS: Eight Galamseyers Nabbed in Atwima Mponua Taskforce Operation

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Mponua, Hon. Isshaq Ibrahim, has led a joint security taskforce to clamp down on illegal mining activities in Agogoso near Nyinahin, resulting in the arrest of eight suspected galamsey operators.

The heavily armed taskforce stormed mining sites along the Agogoso River and River Offin, two major water bodies that serve thousands of households in the district. The team destroyed 15 changfan machines, pulled down more than 150 tents, and confiscated over 100 water pumping machines and 15 detectors used in the illegal operations. An alleged ringleader, described as an “executor,” was also arrested.

Addressing the media after the operation, Hon. Isshaq Ibrahim explained that the crackdown was necessary to save the rivers from further destruction.

“Our rivers are under serious threat. If we allow this to continue, communities in Atwima Mponua and beyond will wake up one day without clean water. This exercise is to safeguard the environment for both present and future generations,” he said.

The DCE cautioned that the fight against galamsey will be pursued with renewed energy and warned miners to vacate all illegal sites or risk arrest and prosecution.

He further urged local residents to collaborate with the district assembly and security agencies to ensure the menace is eradicated.

“The people in the communities are the first line of defense. We are calling on them not to shield these illegal miners. Instead, they should report them so that we can protect our environment together,” Hon. Ibrahim added.

Atwima Mponua District is one of the hotbeds of illegal mining in the Ashanti Region, largely due to its rich deposits and the presence of water bodies. Environmentalists have repeatedly raised alarms about the devastation of farmlands and rivers by galamsey activities, warning that the long-term effects could be catastrophic.

Residents in Agogoso, who witnessed the operation, expressed relief, describing it as a “necessary step” to curb the destruction of their community’s natural resources.

The eight suspects arrested are currently assisting the police in investigations, while the seized and destroyed equipment serves as evidence of the scale of illegal mining in the area.