Blue Water Guards arrest two illegal miners over alleged destruction of water bodies in Wassa Amenfi East

Two illegal miners have reportedly been arrested by the Blue Water Guards for allegedly engaging in mining activities that were destroying water bodies in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal District of the Western Region.

The suspects were apprehended during an operation aimed at preventing illegal mining activities and protecting the municipality’s water resources from further degradation.

According to reports, the two miners were found operating in an area where their activities were allegedly affecting the surrounding water bodies. Their actions raised concerns over the continued environmental damage associated with illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

Following their arrest, the suspects were reportedly given the opportunity to retrieve their mining equipment and leave the area. However, they were issued a strong warning against returning to the site to continue their activities.

The Blue Water Guards cautioned that should the miners be caught engaging in illegal mining in the area again, they would face arrest and prosecution, while their equipment could also be destroyed in accordance with the enforcement measures being applied.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect Ghana's water bodies and curb illegal mining activities, which have been blamed for polluting rivers and streams and degrading farmlands and other natural resources.