1339 Galamseyers Arrested So Far – Minister

The inter-ministerial committee on illegal mining has officially announced that about 1339 galamsey operators have been arrested by Operation Vanguard, a military Police Joint Task Force (JTF) set up by President Akufo-Addo to combat illegal mining in the country.

Although only 10% have been prosecuted, Prof. Frimpong disclosed that the ministry is going through the process to make sure that due punishment is giving to the illegal miners in police custody.

“We are still in the process of prosecution…you all know Ghana is a democratic country and you cannot just get up and give sanctions without going through the rightful procedures”, he said.

At the meet the press yesterday, Professor Frimpong Boateng in his quest to outline other achievements by the operation vanguard disclosed that 614 excavators, 1,557 water pumping machines and 2,359 ammunitions have been seized from the illegal miners.

Again 84 vehicles, 82 moto bikes 5,739 ‘chang fan’ dredging, 112 arms were also reported to have been seized by the operation vanguard.

By: Abigail Karikari