District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Joseph Frimpong Bonsu, has made an appeal to all stakeholders in the district, including Chiefs, Assembly, and Unit Committee members, who possess firsthand information, to collaborate with the government in its endeavors to eradicate illegal mining activities in the area.
He highlighted that there were clear indications of ongoing illegal mining activities that were evading the authorities’ detection. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts to safeguard our water bodies and forests, ensuring their safety for the sake of future generations.
During an interview with Otech FM regarding the concerns raised by residents of Nyameadom and Mankranso regarding the continuous encroachment of illegal miners in their community, the DCE expressed that combating this issue should be a collective responsibility.
The DCE appealed to everyone to support the residents by providing any necessary information that could help expose the unscrupulous individuals involved in the illegal mining activities.
Mr. Bonsu stated that he had instructed the security agents to confiscate the equipment belonging to illegal miners who had infiltrated the community over the past five months.
“These miners had caused extensive damage to farmlands, water bodies, and the surrounding forest area,” he added.
He sternly warned those individuals claiming ownership of mining concessions in the area to immediately cease their operations within the district.
He made it clear that if they continued their activities, they would have no one but themselves to blame when the security agencies take severe action against them.