Over 300 suspected illegal miners arrested in Operation Shanela

In a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Ghanaian authorities have arrested over 300 people suspected of engaging in or facilitating galamsey, a local term for small-scale mining that often damages the environment and threatens public health.

The operation, codenamed Shanela, was launched on December 15 by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, and the National Intelligence Bureau. The operation targeted illegal mining sites in six regions: Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Western, Western North, and Bono.

According to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the operation was aimed at enforcing the government’s ban on galamsey and restoring sanity in the mining sector. He said that the operation was not intended to witch-hunt any individual or group, but to protect the nation’s natural resources and the livelihoods of the people.

The minister also revealed that the operation seized various equipment and tools used for illegal mining, such as excavators, changfans, generators, water pumps, and mercury. He said that the seized items would be destroyed in accordance with the law.

The minister commended the security agencies for their professionalism and dedication in carrying out the operation. He also thanked the media and civil society organizations for their support and cooperation. He urged the public to report any illegal mining activities to the authorities and to refrain from aiding or abetting such activities.

The minister assured that the government would continue to pursue its agenda of promoting responsible and sustainable mining in Ghana. He said that the government was committed to providing alternative livelihoods for those who would be affected by the clampdown on galamsey. He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and opinion leaders to join hands with the government in the fight against illegal mining.