The Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association says it has made significant progress in efforts to rid the Offin River of illegal mining activities.
This follows two weeks of intensive security operations along the river.
President of the Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, disclosed that more than one hundred illegal chanfan machines floating on the river were destroyed during the exercise.
“The taskforce started operations in Achiase and moved downstream to Beposo, tracking the river through the Amansie Districts. We have destroyed over one hundred changfan machines mining on the river,” he stated.
According to Mr. Peprah, the taskforce acted on intelligence to track the flow of the river and confront illegal miners. Using speedboats, the team pursued miners dredging the riverbed for gold.
“The Offin River upstream is getting clearer, and that is the advantage of what we have been doing so far. We are only complementing what NAIMOS and other government agencies are doing,” he added.
Two months ago, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued a directive banning the fabrication of chanfan machines, citing their destructive impact on the environment.
The EPA further indicated that individuals intending to import such engines must secure the necessary authorization.
Mr. Peprah welcomed the EPA’s action, noting: “The changfan has other uses, so it is important, but people using it to destroy our environment should not be allowed to do so.”
Calls for Responsible Mining and Community Sensitization
The Association has urged its members to adopt environmentally responsible mining practices.
Mr. Peprah emphasized that the group has consistently trained its members on sustainable methods.
“We would advise our members to take reclamation seriously.
They should make sure that before they leave a site, they restore it,” he stressed.
The Association also believes that NAIMOS’ enforcement activities should be complemented by community sensitization campaigns against illegal mining and in favor of responsible practices.
Already, the government has begun rolling out public sensitization programs in some mining areas.
Mr. Peprah insists there is a need to intensify such efforts to ensure long-term protection of the country’s rivers and environment.
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