Bonsaso (W/R), March 22, GNA – The Western Regional “Operation Vanguard 17 Task Force” have destroyed 73 Changfang machines which were illegally built on the Bonsa and Tano Rivers to prospect for gold nuggets.
The seized machines were burnt to deter others from engaging in such unlawful activity.
Superintendent of Police William Kwofie Jabialu, Commander of the Task Force, led the group made up of police officers and men to carry out the exercise.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the operation, Mr Jabialu said the Operation Vanguard 17 Task Force commenced work on March 12, 2021 and used five days to embark on the operation.
He said the exercise was part of their daily routine visits to curb illegal mining activities on lands and also save the water bodies in the Western Region.
“The activities of these floating boats on the rivers among others are the main cause of the poor water tepidity,” he explained.
Mr Jabialu said his team could not cause any arrest because many of the illegal miners upon seeing them took to their heels.
He warned the illegal miners to refrain from the practice else they would be made to face the law when apprehended.
GNA