July 22, 2025 – Blue Water Guards in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region have intensified their monitoring and surveillance of galamsey activities, leading to the closure of illegal mining sites and the seizure of galamsey-related machinery and implements.
The move forms part of measures outlined by the anti-galamsey task force under the Minerals Commission’s Blue Water Guards initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
It will be recalled that the sector Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has recently intensified the fight against illegal mining activities in various parts of the country. This follows the wanton destruction of forest reserves and river bodies, which has resulted in severe environmental degradation.
A source at the Minerals Commission, in charge of the River Guard initiative, told Nzema Today TV that the team has embarked on a massive operation across forest reserves and river bodies to clamp down on illegal miners.
A confirmed operational report from the Prestea Blue Water Guards indicated that, acting upon a tip-off from an informant about illegal mining activities near the River Ankobra at a site called Amponsh in the Himan community, the task force moved in and seized eight pumping machines. Additionally, eight Chanfang machines were destroyed, while three others sank in the river during the operation.
However, no arrests were made as the illegal miners fled the site before the team arrived. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the Water Guards. According to the source, the seized items have been sent to the police station.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners to desist from mining in forest reserves and river bodies.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
