Known as "galamsey", the illegal mining has in recent months taken a turn for the worse, with even foreigners involved in it increasingly taking the law into their hands. Early this month, two Chinese nationals were arrested for shooting at two Ghanaians who were protesting the encroachment on communal farm lands.
The Ghana Immigration Service has also said another 80 Chinese nationals are in its custody pending deportation.
"We have all witnessed the devastation galamsey has caused to some of our water bodies and its effect on the production and supply of water to various communities. There has also been casualties and loss of lives arising from conflicts in some areas where illegal small-scale mining is taking place," President Mahama said while launching the team.
There is further alarm over the lawless and criminal behaviour underpinning the illegal mining, that has seen foreign nationals such as the Chinese and Italians scouring the hinterlands where the minerals are.
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