The Western Regional Head of the Forest Services Directorate of the Forestry Commission, Nana Poku Bosompim, has indicated that illegal miners popularly known as galamseyers operating within forest reserves have devised strategies to confront personnel by employing the services of armed groups purportedly endowed with spiritual fortitude, rendering them impervious to bullets and machetes.
According to him, this has made the fight against illegal mining very difficult.
He observed during TV3’s Key Points program that the galamseyers have connections and are well-informed; often, prior to any significant operation, they receive intelligence and make preparations in advance of the team’s arrival.
Nana Poku said that there are occasions when they confront these illegal miners who have spiritual backing from these groups and are often armed.
“Indeed, precisely.” At times, they acquire intelligence and mobilize, deploying their armed factions and personal security forces. Heavily built men and you ask whether they are Ghanaians or from another country. They appear well fortified and are equipped with firearms. We have observed their masks, pump-action firearms, and several AK-47 weapons in their possession. These individuals arrive with substantial so-called spiritual defenses,” he stated.
He detailed instances where his team were compelled to retreat in response to the significant numbers mobilized by the miners. On these occasions, they sometime meet as many as 800 to 1000 men ready to confront them as they remained receptive to any discussions.
He emphasized that these individuals are thought to be impervious to bullets or machete attacks and recounted an incident where his team faced serious challenges before they were able to subdue a man who was allegedly fortified.
“They appear to have talismans, charms, and fugu all over their bodies in addition to their filthy clothing. It is thought that these individuals might not be hurt if you shoot them. They are allegedly protected from machete attacks, gunshot wounds, and similar threats,” he indicated.
He further added: “One of them resisted and was detained in one instance. Until someone informed us that the charm he wore was concealed in his undergarment, approximately five of my guys were unable to subdue him.”
He continued: “Can you imagine? One singlet. We also noticed some Arabic writing all over it when we examined it closely. If you don’t take a closer look, you wouldn’t notice. We were asked to cur it. The suspect grew weak as a result of our cutting through the singlet, and he was taken into custody,” he said.
