The Western Regional Minister and MP, Takoradi Constituency, Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah, on Friday, May 7, 2021 conducted operations in Ellembelle District at an illegal mining site at Esiama.
He was in force with the Chief Executive of the district, Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh, with the help from the Regional Security Coordinator.
They arrested one David Kwofie identified to be the leader/sponsor of the illegal miners and handed him over to the regional headquarters of Ghana police service for appropriate action.
According to the Regional Minister, the call from H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for collective action against illegal mining is still on.
“We will continue to fight this menace which has devastating effect on our water bodies.” Hon. Kobby Okyere Darko-Mensah said
Illegal mining operations over the years have destroyed most of agriculture lands, as well as polluted many water bodies in Ghana.
In 2017, the government placed an indefinite ban on small-scale mining activities in its quest to find a solution to the illegal mining scourge.
This was met with heavy resistance by duly registered small-scale miners. Successive governments, specifically over the last two decades, have made efforts to clamp down on the menace, but it is clear that illegal miners have a stronger will and have become more creative in sustaining their activities.
