Small scale miners task force burn mining equipment, arrest 7

A task force set up by the Small-scale Miners Association of Ghana have apprehended seven illegal miners who dredge and mine on the Birim river at Abomosu in the Atiwa district of the Eastern Region.

The task force also set ablaze twenty dredgers, otherwise known as Chamfan machines.

Their action is to complement government's efforts in fighting illegal mining.

The task force since it was set up has been supporting the fight against illegal mining in Ashanti, Eastern, Central and Western regions.

Their operations which will last for about a week in the Eastern Region is targeted at flushing out galamseyers especially those who dredge river bodies.

Commander of the task force, Bresie Andoh told journalists the 20 mining equipment destroyed are valued at Gh¢300,000.

The task force also retrieved ten industrial-size barrels of diesel amounting to Gh¢100,000.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Kwabeng District Police Command.

They will soon face prosecution.