Birim river: Changfans, water pumps destroyed on first day of military operation against galamsey
11th October 2024
A total of 18 changfang machines which were being used for illegal gold mining were destroyed on the first day of the renewed military operation dubbed “Operation Halt 2”, as part of the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey [gather and sell].
Aside the changfans, 10 water pumps were also destroyed by the military on Thursday.
They were all found on the Birim River in the Eastern Region, where the first day of the operation started.
“Operation Halt 2” is focusing on water bodies for the first period.
Thursday’s operation started at 8am.
Colonel Eric Tenadu, Commander of the “Operation Halt 2” Task Force explained that the operation will continue on Friday but he did not disclose where it will focus.
Colonel Tenadu said all water bodies in the country will be covered to ensure that there is a change in the colour of water.
A task force from the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) is collaborating with personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces drawn from the Navy, Army and Airforce.
Colonel Tenadu said ‘Operation Halt 2’ was focusing on water bodies and the forest where illegal mining activities are ongoing but for now the directive and instruction is to focus on water bodies for the first phase after which the next phase will focus on the forest.