The Ashanti Region anti-galamsey taskforce conducted an early-morning operation, seizing thirteen excavators and making several arrests at illegal mining sites in the Adansi area.

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Captain (Rtd) John Kwame Jabari, the head of the taskforce, described the operation as the most successful since the initiative began, noting that nearly every site they targeted resulted in the confiscation of equipment and the detention of those involved in illegal mining activities.

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"This has been our most successful operation so far, as we managed to seize machines and arrest individuals at nearly every site we visited," Jabari said.

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In response to the growing challenge, the taskforce has revised its strategy to increase the effectiveness of its operations. Captain Jabari emphasized that this new approach has significantly contributed to their success.

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"We have adapted our approach several times, and this time we've perfected it," he said.

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The current phase of the operation is focused on protecting water sources and preventing further damage to cocoa farms, which have been severely affected by illegal mining.

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The taskforce has also reported success in recovering forest reserves that were previously being mined illegally.

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The Adansi region, in particular, has suffered extensive environmental damage due to illegal mining activities, with cocoa farms bearing the brunt of the destruction.

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Captain Jabari explained that the operation was prompted by concerns raised by local residents.

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"It's not always our own intelligence that drives these operations; often, the community reports these illegal activities, and we act on those tips," he explained.

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The taskforce continues to urge those involved in illegal mining to cease their operations, assuring the public that they remain committed to combating this issue.

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