Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Acheampong, Chief Operation Officer of the Joint Task Force, said the period under review since operation vanguard commenced was not without challenges.

He said as far as their mission to combat illegal mining was concern, the professional posture of their troops has enabled them to achieve their goal during the period.  Lieutenant Colonel Acheampong stated that he had enjoyed the team's unflinching support, loyalty and dedication to duties.

He therefore, entreated them to maintain the positive attitudes and discharge their duties with honour, pride and dignity in the New Year.He also asked the officers to pray for the souls of deceased officers and their families who could not live to see the year 2018.

Mr Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsueam, explained that the Operation Vanguard team has demonstrated professionalism and sanity since it assumed duty in the Region.

He said two hundred and eighty- eight people comprising Ghanaians, Chinese, Burkinabes, Nigerian and Togolese nationals who refused to lay down their equipment despite the nationwide call to end illegal mining have been arrested.

He said fifty seven excavators and other mining related equipments have also been seized from individuals. The MCE commended the leadership of Operation Vanguard for liaising with the Assembly and heads of the security agencies to ensure their smooth operations.

Mr. Asmah however said the Assembly would work hard to settle the team's accommodation crisis.