12 Arrested in Galamsey Crackdown
A joint anti-galamsey operation led by the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, has resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, including two Indian nationals and ten Ghanaians, for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Atwima Nwabigya South Municipality.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the newly confirmed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Wisdom Boamah, targeted notorious illegal mining sites that have contributed significantly to environmental destruction in the area.
Dr Bissiw, who also serves as the National Women’s Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stated that the situation in the municipality had reached alarming levels, necessitating urgent action to curb the menace of galamsey.
“The environmental degradation and destruction caused by these illegal activities are unacceptable, and it’s high time those responsible are held accountable,” she said during a press briefing.
She further disclosed that the arrested individuals would be mandated to reclaim the destroyed lands at their own expense, as part of efforts to restore the environment and deter others from similar activities.
Wisdom Boamah pledged to form a dedicated task force to intensify the fight against illegal mining in the municipality. He expressed his commitment to protecting the natural resources of the area and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
“Illegal mining is not just an environmental threat but a danger to our communities’ health and future. We must act now,” he said.
The operation forms part of a broader national effort to clamp down on galamsey operations, which have led to widespread pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and the destruction of farmlands across the country.
Authorities have assured the public that more actions will follow and that both foreign nationals and local collaborators found culpable will face the full rigors of the law.
