The fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana’s Eastern Region has reached a critical point, with local security forces reportedly retreating in fear after being vastly outnumbered by illegal miners. In a recent interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong detailed a shocking incident where the task force, responsible for combating the illegal activity, was forced to flee due to overwhelming odds.
During one of the operations, 30 members of the task force, comprising military, police, immigration, and intelligence officers, were confronted by a staggering 400 illegal miners. The minister explained that the task force had no choice but to withdraw to avoid serious harm. “Our team was simply outnumbered,” Mr. Acheampong said. “We were about 30 men, and they were 400. The sheer number of miners made it impossible for us to continue the operation.”
The incident highlights the growing difficulty of President Akufo-Addo’s efforts to protect Ghana’s water bodies from the devastating effects of galamsey. The destruction of rivers and streams, critical for both food security and daily survival, is a major concern for the government. “Our main fight is on the water bodies because it’s where the biggest issue lies,” Acheampong noted. “If these water sources are destroyed, we’re looking at food shortages and the loss of lives.”
Despite calls for a more aggressive approach, including the declaration of a state of emergency, the minister defended the task force’s decision to retreat. “It’s not that we don’t want to fight, but how can 30 security personnel stand against 400 armed miners?” he asked.
Another alarming development is the increasing number of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, further complicating the fight. “Most of the people in the pits today are not Ghanaians,” Acheampong revealed. “We arrest them and try to involve their embassies, but even they are overwhelmed.”
While the government’s anti-galamsey efforts have seen some success, as evidenced by recent arrests, the incident underscores the need for stronger reinforcements and better strategies to combat the illegal miners who are willing to fight back.
