The Bono Regional Minister, Mrs. Justina Owusu Banahene has paid a working visit to a newly established military camp at Bui, aimed at providing security and protection for the Bui Power Dam from illegal mining activities.
The visit was to inspect the newly established military camp that was necessitated by an imminent security threat being posed to the dam by illegal miners.
In a telephone interview with the media, Mrs. Banahene said the visit to the military camp was to have first-hand information about the camp and also to encourage the men in uniform to protect and defend the dam from any illegal mining activities in and around the area by some unscrupulous group of people.
She was in the company of the General Central Commander, Major General Arphour and 3BM Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Kwarten J.Y, and the District Chief Executive (DCE) Officer for Banda, Mr. Emmanuel Akone to check on the soldiers and conditions in which they operate.
She said the Dokokyina location where the illegal miners were conducting their trade raises other security concerns because it lies on the border between Ghana and Ivory Coast.
According to her, the illegal mining activities around the Black Volta was noticed by the authorities for the past two years and efforts to contain the situation has been met with fierce resistance.
She explained that prior to the permanent military presence, the soldiers used to camp in the area 48 hours a week and this gave room to the illegal miners’ operations to flourish.
She added that the soldiers were deployed by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) adding that the illegal miners engaged the military personnel in hide and seek by switching locations with the soldiers.
The Bono Regional described the galamseyers as nation wreakers because their activities could also cost the state if not checked, saying ‘most of their activities are marked with chaos and violence, especially when they come in contact with the soldier.’
She said the soldiers have also destroyed temporary structures mounted by the galamsayers.