President John Mahama says about 200 firearms have been seized from illegal miners as part of the government’s efforts to combat galamsey.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion conference on Monday, 19th October, the President commended those involved in the fight against illegal mining.
The firearms formed part of 8,200 items confiscated during operations against the activity, including 135 excavators.
“We have achieved some successes in the fight against illegal mining. We have confiscated more than 8,200 items; this includes Chan-fan machines, excavators and other equipment used in illegal mining.
“We have confiscated 135 excavators that were used in illegal mining, and we have retrieved almost 200 firearms that people involved in illegal mining have,” the president revealed at the conference held in Accra to discuss the country’s extractive sector.
President Mahama acknowledged the efforts of those working to tackle the menace as the government continues its enforcement operations.