A fierce standoff erupted between officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a government advisory team in the Central and Western regions as authorities moved to seize illegal mining (galamsey) equipment.
The confrontation occurred when the advisory team, on a fact finding mission to curb environmental destruction as a result of illegal mining, visited some illegal mining sites in Anwia (near Nkroful), Prestea, and Dunkwa, and seized pumping machines, generators, and excavators.
However, the operation took a dramatic turn in Dunkwa when furious miners, led by the NDC Constituency Chairman, rallied against the government team. Backed by enraged residents, the NDC official accused the task force of not informing local authorities before undertaking the exercise.
With tensions at a boiling point, angry protesters including galamsey operators blocked roads and confronted heavily armed security personnel, threatening a full-blown showdown. Aerial surveillance further revealed shocking illegal excavations dangerously close to Dunkwa’s main bridge, sparking more outrage.
In Baduwa No.2, Upper Denkyira East District, the task force uncovered massive environmental devastation caused by unchecked illegal mining along the Offin River. Residents, caught between frustration and fear, accused the government of failing to stop the destruction, even as enforcement efforts intensified.
Despite the hostile resistance, the advisory team, led by Rear Admiral (Rtd) Moses Beick-Baffour, vowed to press on with its mission to advise the government on galamsey policies and strengthen future crackdowns.
As the battle over illegal mining rages on, this latest confrontation underscores the deepening political and social tensions surrounding galamsey enforcement, raising tough questions about governance, local complicity, and the future of Ghana’s natural resources.
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“…minutes after the raid, the team was accosted on the road by an angry NDC Constituency Chairman who said he was not consulted before the operation.”
Erastsus Asare Donkor reports from Anwia & Dunkwa as Gov’t advisory team seize galamsey equipment. #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/vb6BFOUsHn
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) March 5, 2025
