The Ashanti regional taskforce of the Small Scale Miners Association has arrested about 220 illegal small-scale miners in the region who were operating in spite of a ban on the activity.

Over 2,000 Chang Fan mining equipment used by the illegal miners were also seized and destroyed by the taskforce.

The galamseyers were arrested in the Atwima Mponua, Amansie West, Amansie East, Konongo, and other districts in the region.

The regional organiser, Kwame Boateng, said the illegal miners were handed over to the various district police stations where the operations took place after their arrest.

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At a press conference in Kumasi on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Boateng highlighted the achievements of the taskforce in the three months since it was set up to fight against illegal mining in the region.

He further expressed gratitude to the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their support in the fight against galamsey.

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The regional organiser, however, called on the government to give the taskforce more financial support to enable it to operate effectively.