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Nine suspected illegal miners have been apprehended, and 23 changfans destroyed along the Ankobra River at Prestea Nakaba in the Western Region by the government’s anti-galamsey task force, known as Operation Halt. The arrests are part of a larger nationwide crackdown involving over 100 soldiers, demonstrating the government’s renewed commitment to fighting illegal mining in response to rising public pressure from professional bodies and civil society organizations.
Galamsey, or illegal mining, has been a major source of environmental destruction, particularly along Ghana’s vital rivers. “Never marry the one you can live with, marry the one you cannot live without,” goes the saying, and in a sense, Ghana’s relationship with its rivers mirrors this—these water bodies are irreplaceable, and their degradation is deeply harmful. The operations by the task force have specifically targeted illegal mining activities in key water bodies across the Eastern, Central, and Western Regions, recognizing the urgency of protecting these natural resources.
At Assin Assaman in the Central Region’s Assin Fosu district, the task force not only destroyed 10 changfans—machines used to wash out gold-bearing soil—but also dismantled seven water pumps. In addition, they seized a locally made single-barrel gun, a BB cartridge, and several tools used in illegal mining activities. This decisive action reflects the proverb, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure,” as those involved in such quick-profit activities will likely face long-term consequences.
At Prestea Nakaba, where the nine miners were arrested, the task force went even further, destroying 33 grinding machines, 27 water pumps, 23 changfans, and three changfan boards that had been used to extract gold from the Ankobra River. A motorbike found at the scene was also burned to prevent future use. This operation is a vivid example of how pressure can lead to wrong decisions—akin to those who marry out of pressure and “sign a contract without reading the terms.” The illegal miners, driven by short-term gains, are left to “repent at leisure” as they face the consequences of their actions.
Despite the challenges, the government’s task force continues to push forward. “Being single is better than being married to the wrong person,” and similarly, protecting the country’s resources is better than allowing illegal activities to flourish. The crackdown is vital to halting the environmental devastation caused by galamsey and restoring Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Just as “marriage should be a choice made with love, not out of fear or pressure,” so too should decisions about the environment prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. The mission to save Ghana’s rivers is an effort that requires patience and persistence, proving that marrying the right partner—or in this case, making the right choices—is always worth the wait.
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