The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Abuakwa South, Hon. Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, has inaugurated the Municipal Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce with a strong warning to illegal miners and their financiers that his outfit will pursue them without fear or favour.
Delivering his address at the Municipal Assembly Hall in Kyebi the MCE, who also chairs the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), said the taskforce’s creation represents a firm local response to the government and Okyeman’s commitment to ending galamsey.
“Illegal mining has destroyed our rivers, degraded fertile lands, and threatened livelihoods. It is embarrassing to see our people carrying buckets and gallons searching for potable water because of the irresponsible actions of a few,” he said.
The MCE emphasized that the taskforce, made up of personnel from the Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana National Fire Service, will act decisively to stop galamsey activities.
He stressed that anyone found on sites dredging rivers or diverting watercourses will be arrested alongside their sponsors. He further ordered that individuals dressed in galamsey attire—carrying head pans, pickaxes, shovels, or metal detectors—be arrested for investigation.
“Even if it means going to the homes of suspected sponsors to arrest and arraign them before the courts, it will be pursued ruthlessly,” Nana Adu Sarpong stated.
He noted that Kyebi and surrounding areas are already facing a water crisis due to polluted rivers and warned that diplomacy is no longer an option.
The MCE also addressed allegations that some security officers take bribes at galamsey sites. He assured that such cases will be investigated and culprits sanctioned.
He appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups, and political actors to support the fight by cautioning those involved in illegal mining, stressing that pleas on behalf of arrested culprits will not be entertained.
“We owe it to the next generation to preserve our water, land, and forests. The water we pollute today is the same water our children will thirst for tomorrow,” he cautioned.
Concluding his speech, the MCE formally declared the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce inaugurated and charged its members to act with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights in their operations.
Kyebihene, Osabarima Marfo Kwabrane on behalf of Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin pledged his fullest support for the taskforce stating that Nananom are looking forward that, the Birim river will be restored to its glory within a short period.
The Taskforce embarked on an initial visit to illegal mining sites where Birim river has been diverted to destroy some mining machines , confiscated others and made some arrests.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/obed Ansah
