The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wassa East in the Western Region, Hon. Alhassan Ibrahim, has made a strong declaration about his intention to fight illegal mining in his area. Despite several years of destruction to the forest reserve, the vibrant DCE won’t be swayed by the activities of illegal miners.
“We will not stand idly by while our lands and river bodies are ravaged by the scourge of illegal mining,” he declared, his words echoing through the gathering. For too long, the district had suffered at the hands of galamsey operators in the Subri forest reserve and others, who had polluted the water bodies, destroyed farmlands, and left a trail of devastation in their wake.
But the DCE had called the people together to declare a new era of determination and action. The NDC communication officer for the Wassa East Constituency, Mr. Ebenezer Akumanyi, informed the pressmen in an interview that the DCE’s stance was not just a mere declaration.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this destruction are brought to justice,” he said. “We will collaborate with the security agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other stakeholders to identify and prosecute those engaged in illegal mining.”
According to Mr. Akumanyi, the DCE’s commitment had recently led to the arrest of some illegal miners, and those at Abrewa nni nkran were also apprehended under his watch. He urged the people of Wassa East to join hands with the district assembly to fight against illegal mining.
“We must work together to protect our environment, our livelihoods, and our future,” he emphasized. “I can say confidently that we have secured about 80% to 90% of our reserve from illegal mining, and that shows how committed we are.”
The DCE stated that illegal mining activities are the enemy of the state, and anyone who engages in illegal mining, especially at Wassa East, irrespective of their party affiliation, will not be tolerated. He added that all measures are in place to redeem the image of the district, which was soiled some years back because of illegal mining.
“Our DCE has made it known that he won’t tolerate galamsey, and he will not; therefore, whoever involves himself in galamsey, irrespective of party affiliation, becomes an enemy to him,” Mr. Akumanyi said.
Task forces were set up to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental regulations, and security personnel were deployed to arrest and prosecute galamsey operators. The impact, according to Mr. Akumanyi, will soon be felt.
He advised the youth to avoid involving themselves in illegal mining activities, adding that the treated water they drink in the area is not even safe due to the chemicals. “Water is life, and we all need to protect our water bodies,” he said. “We cannot rely on bottled or sachet water for survival, and I will entreat all to desist from illegal mining activities.”
