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Galamseyers, also known as illegal miners, have been cautioned by Hon. Ernest Ofosu, the district chief executive for Fanteakwa South in the Eastern Region, to stop their activity or face arrest and legal action.
He said that unlawful mining had severely harmed the environment, particularly water bodies and farmlands, and threatened food security with crippling socioeconomic repercussions.
The DCE expressed regret for the revival of illicit mining in Osino and the communities nearby.
However, he emphasized that stopping illicit mining in the region will require more effort and strategy from the district security council, stakeholders, and local residents.
On Thursday, February 9, 2023, during an interview with Kaakyire Kwasi Afari on Afeema FM’s News, Hon. Ernest Ofosu made this statement.
His response followed the team of the Small Scale Miners Association arresting unlicensed miners invading a portion of the Accra-Kumasi route in Osino.
The illegal miners in Osino now work at night to avoid being discovered by the Operation Halt and district security council troops, according to the Fanteakwa South DCE.
The illegal miners in Osino operate between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., he said, so as not to draw notice to their malicious operation that is damaging the environment.
Mr. Ernest Ofosu, speaking to Afeema News,commended the task force of the National Association of Small Scale Miners and the leadership for their effort to complement government’s efforts to combat activities of illegal mining which have become a phenomenon in the country.
Regardless of their political views or social standing, he promised that the assembly would not protect anyone engaged in the criminal enterprise.
The district chief executive claims that while the government is not against small-scale mining, it is opposed to unlawful mining that is still causing environmental damage.
He has urged small-scale miners to restore mined pits in accordance with applicable national mining and environmental legislation.
According to Ernest Ofosu, the ecosystem of the nation is in danger due to unsustainable mining techniques and the failure of small-scale miners to recover mined pits.
Finally, he made a promise to help the task group accomplish its goal.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Kaakyire Kwasi Afari
