Galamsey Fight; Bono Regional Minister Inspects Newly Established Military Camp at Bui

The Bono Regional Minister, Honourable Justina Owusu Banahene has paid a working visit to a newly established military camp at Bui, purposely to provide protection for the Bui Power Dam and against illegal mining activities by some group of persons.

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.

Honourable Banahene in a telephone interview with the media revealed that she visited the camp 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, 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 the 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 before the permanent military presence, the soldiers used to camp in the area 48 hours a week and this gave room for the illegal miners' operations to flourish.

She added that the soldiers were deployed by the Regional Security Counsel (REGSEC), adding that the illegal miners engaged the military personnel in hiding and seek- they switch locations with the soldiers. 

Madam Banahene described the galamseyers as nation wreckers, as 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.