A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team in the Manso Adubia Constituency of the Ashanti Region, Owusu Joseph, has rated the Mahama administration’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, at 85 percent.
According to him, the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities in affected areas is yielding positive results compared to developments under the previous Akufo-Addo/Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speaking on Atinka FM, monitored by The Archives, Mr. Owusu described the government’s approach to tackling the galamsey menace within its first one-and-a-half years in office as commendable, noting that some polluted water bodies are gradually returning to their natural state.
“The NDC government under President John Mahama has done well in the fight against illegal mining. I would score him 85% for his efforts. Polluted water bodies are gradually returning to their natural state.
Unlike under the NPP administration, when many of the water bodies were in a devastating condition, the current situation shows that the government is committed to combating illegal mining in this country,” he said.
Mr. Owusu’s comments come on the back of recent operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), which have led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of equipment used in illegal mining activities.
In the Western Region, NAIMOS apprehended four armed men allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality.
The task force also recorded a major breakthrough during an intelligence-led operation at Oseikokrom in the Amansie West District on May 21. The coordinated raid resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national and seven Ghanaian workers at an illegal mining site.
According to NAIMOS, the suspects attempted to flee upon noticing the approach of the task force but were intercepted and arrested.
The operation led to the seizure of two Toyota Hilux pickup vehicles with registration numbers GX 555-24 and CN 5168-26.
Further inspection of the site revealed two excavators actively being used for illegal mining operations.
One excavator was seized and transported to the NAIMOS logistics holding area in Kumasi, while the second was immobilised at the site after its monitor and control board were removed because an installed tracker prevented its movement.
The two vehicles were also transported to the logistics holding area for safekeeping.
Additionally, the task force seized a pump-action gun and destroyed several makeshift structures believed to have served as hideouts for the illegal miners.
The arrested suspects were identified as: Huang Weiye, 38, a Chinese national, Augustine Manu, 23, Kwame Ntoadro, 41, Moses Alou, 30, Alex Lenley, 32, Yaw Owusu, 26, Shaibu Wuni, 26; and Patrick Bampoa, 22.
NAIMOS said the Chinese suspect has been transferred to its headquarters for further investigations and subsequently handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service.
The Ghanaian suspects have also been handed over to the Antoakrom Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.
