Fanteakwa South DCE Declare War On Illegal Miners

The district chief executive 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 threatens food security with debilitating socio-economic consequences.

The DCE bemoaned about the resurgence of illegal mining in Osino and it 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.

Hon. Ernest Ofosu said this in an interview with Kaakyire Kwasi Afari on Afeema FM’s News on Thursday, 9th February, 2023.

His reaction came after illegal miners encroaching section of Accra-Kumasi highway 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 the Operation Halt.

He disclosed that the illegal miners operate between 9:00 pm and stop at dawn around 4:00 am not to draw the attention of their nefarious activity which is destroying the environment in Osino.

Mr. Ernest Ofosu, speaking to Afeema News, he 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.

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.

The district chief executive says government is not against small scale mining, but is rather against illegal mining that continues to destroy the environment.

Therefore, he has challenged small-scale miners to reclaim mined pits in line with the country’s mining and environmental laws.

Ernest Ofosu mentioned that the country’s environment was under threat from unsustainable mining practices with small-scale miners failing to reclaim mined pits.

He finally pledged his commitment to support the task force achieve its aim.