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Operation Vanguard Personnel at about 3:30am on Monday morning arrested seven suspected illegal miners in the Amansie Central District.

This was contained in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency by Captain Andy Sowatey, Public Relations Officer of Operation Vanguard.

The statement said the suspects, who were between the ages of 17 and 36 years, were apprehended in an early dawn operation at Akatakyieso, a suburb which has gained notoriety for illegal mining in recent times.

The statement said they have since been handed over to the Obuasi Central Police Station for further investigations.

It said the operation, which was conducted between the hours of 2:00am and 5:30am, indicates a change in how these illegal miners are conducting their activities to avoid Vanguard’s patrol teams.

"The Taskforce has in turn, altered its operations to match the activities of the galamseyers and ensure maximum results are achieved.

"These miners are also resorting to the use of dynamite which is not only posing a safety hazard to themselves but also to the Vanguard personnel tasked with halting their activities.

"It is important to note that most of these illegal mining sites are close to towns and villages which support their activities.

"Traditional leaders and other key stakeholders are therefore being urged to lead in the fight against illegal mining which is seriously destroying the environment.

"Operation Vanguard remains resolute in the realization of its mandate and will continue to conduct its operations as such", the statement said.