Four hundred security men are expected to be deployed to mining areas in three regions Monday morning to counter the activities of illegal miners, known as galamseyers.

The action forms part of the government’s unrelenting fight against galamsey that has destroyed water bodies and degraded the environment.

The well-equipped security men are being deployed to the Ashanti, Western and Eastern regions to start patrolling mining areas.

The personnel drawn from the military and police were assembled at the Bondase military camp for “intensive pre-deployment training.”

The joint task force commander is from the Army, Col William Agyapong, whilst the deputy is an experienced senior police officer, Chief Supt Abraham Acquaye.

The training period at the Bondase training camp afforded the force the opportunity to work together with a view to enhancing their "inter-operability." 

The CDS said the task force has been divided into three operational basis, and assigned commanders at various levels.

He said since the fort is likely to be widely dispersed, “effective junior leadership will be critical to success, therefore one guiding principle will be the man on the spot command doctrine."

“We expect all ranks to use their initiative and professional judgement correctly. I urge you members of the taskforce to go forth with courage and fortitude. Go forth with a clear conscience, because the call for this operation, is the right cause. I urge you to work as a team and with a selfless nationalist spirit. With such an approach to work, I have no reason to doubt the success of this venture," Lt. Gen. Akwa said.