Bono Regional Minister tours Galamsey sites, arrest two illegal miners

Two suspected illegal miners were arrested on Thursday, June 17, 2021, by the Bono Regional Security Taskforce at Wamfie in the Dormaa East District of the Bono region.

The exercise is part of the government’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining in the country.

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Kofi Damoah, 36, popularly known as “Allah” and his accomplice, Stephen Ansu were arrested at an illegal mining site during a swoop, led by Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister.

Earlier before this exercise, the Bono Regional Minister Justina Owusu Banahene had cautioned illegal miners against the destruction of the forest reserves and lands in search of minerals as they will not be spared when caught.

Addressing the media after the swoop, Madam Banahene gave an assurance that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) would deal drastically with anyone who engages in illegal mining activities in the area.

She stated that the Akufo-Addo administration is not against small scale mining in general but rather Galamsey as it is negatively affecting the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.

 She said, “ I will not allow miscreants in the society to continue to destroy the water bodies and forest reserves with their corrupt activities”.

She cautioned anyone who is involved in the act to stop because she will not condone such acts and will do anything in her power to stop such activities. She however called for a collective effort to help fight Galamsey.

The District Chief Executive of the Dormaa East, Hon Emmanuel Kofi Agyemang disclosed that as part of their effort to eradicate illegal mining, the assembly has initiated processes to reclaim abandoned illegal mining sites in the district.

He said it was due to the lack of enforcement of the relevant laws that they are faced with the challenges of Galamsey and its social and political consequences.