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Report by Nana NYARKO
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa South in the Eastern Region, Hon. Ernest Ofosu has warned illegal miners, popularly known as galamseyers, to desist from the practice or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the illegal mining activities had caused extensive damage to the environment, especially water bodies and farmlands, and threatened food security with debilitating socio-economic consequences.
The DCE bemoaned about the resurgence of illegal mining in Osino and its surrounding Communities.
However, he stressed that it would require additional attention and strategy by the district security council, stakeholders, and community folks to stop illegal mining in the area.
His reaction came after illegal miners encroaching section of the Accra-Kumasi highway were arrested by the Small Scale Miners Association taskforce in Osino.
The Fanteakwa South DCE mentioned that the illegal miners in Osino now operate at night to avoid being caught by the forces of the district security council and Operation Halt.
He disclosed that the illegal miners operate between 9:00 pm and stop at dawn around 4:00 am not to draw attention to their nefarious activity which is destroying the environment in Osino.
Hon. Ernest Ofosu, speaking to the media, commended the task force of the National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the leadership for their effort to complement the government’s efforts to combat activities of illegal mining which have become a phenomenon in the country.
He assured that the assembly will, therefore, not shield anyone involved in the illegal business regardless of their political persuasion or social status, he said.
He finally pledged his commitment to support the task force achieve its aim.
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