The Jomoro municipal taskforce in the Western Region, set up by Chief Executive Benedict Boadi, in collaboration with the Municipal Police Command and the Blue Water Guard, has burnt three changfans and six water pumping machines used for illegal mining activities in forests and water bodies.
The task force also seized six water pumping machines when the perpetrators fled upon spotting security personnel.
The illegal miners were operating in water bodies and forest reserves in communities such as Ghana Nungua, Cocoa Town, Nsuano, and Apatase, all in the Elubo enclave.
Some tributaries of the River Tano were also affected.
In Apatase, cocoa farms were being destroyed when security personnel raided the area, but the perpetrators escaped, leaving behind their equipment.
MCE Mr. Boadi stated, “Previously, these activities were nonexistent until recently.
We have taken notice of these activities happening within the municipality, but we were unaware it was escalating into a large-scale activity.”
He warned, “As the MCE, I want to serve a strong warning to potential galamseyers that this is a no-go area for such activities, and anyone caught will be dealt with rigorously.
We have whistleblowers everywhere, ready to report suspected illegal mining activities.”
The MCE added, “The government has introduced a program to promote environmentally friendly mining activities called cooperative mining.
Anyone interested in mining can obtain a cooperative mining license to undertake proper mining practices” .
By 1960news.com
