The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has recommended the utilization of drone surveillance to effectively combat illegal mining activities, asserting that current operational measures have proven inadequate in preventing pollution and destruction of water bodies.
According to him, the ongoing anti-galamsey operations, which primarily focus on downstream activities, have not produced the desired outcomes, as miners continue to contaminate water bodies from their sources.
The Minister made this suggestion during a media interview following a joint anti-galamsey operation conducted by the Second Infantry Battalion of the Ghana Army and the Western Naval Command along the upstream of the Ankobra River in the Amenfi Central District of the Western Region.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of seven excavators and seven water-pumping machines utilised for illicit mining activities along the river.
He posited that the integration of drone technology would facilitate real-time monitoring of illegal mining activities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas upstream.
During the operation, the security team encountered extensive environmental degradation, with some mining pits perilously close to the river, major roads, and electricity poles. Along the Tarkwa-Breman road leading to the main galamsey site, large-scale excavations were observed, causing significant inconvenience to motorists and residents.
The Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd), stated that while security agencies remain committed to cracking down on illegal mining, the rapid resurgence of galamsey activities after operations remains a significant concern.
He emphasised the necessity of introducing enhanced surveillance and sustained operations to prevent miners from returning to cleared sites.
According to Joseph Nelson, effective surveillance at the source of rivers such as the Ankobra and Pra is crucial to protecting water bodies from further pollution and ensuring the long-term success of the anti-galamsey campaign.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
