The Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), has suggested that arrested illegal miners should restore the land they degraded, including filling holes, as a punitive measure.
Meanwhile Municipal Chief Executive for Wassa Amenfi East Raymond Nana Ebbah revealed that the Assembly will incentivize voluntary land reclamation by offering rewards to participating miners.
On June 13, security operatives launched the fourth edition of anti-galamsey operations in the Western Region.
The team, comprising personnel from the Western Naval Command, Second Infantry Battalion, Police, and Immigration, was led by Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer, who addressed them ahead of the operation.
“When conducting operations, it’s crucial to have backup when entering shelters. Refrain from personal searches or exploiting situations. Let’s focus on completing the task safely.” He advised.
After a briefing, security personnel were divided into seven mixed teams, each comprising representatives from various services, to raid illegal mining sites along the Miesie River in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality.
The area has become a hotspot for such activities, causing significant damage to lands and water bodies.
“We observed significant pollution in the Ankobra River’s tributaries, particularly in the upstream areas of Wassa Akropong, Damoakrom, and Miesieso within the Amenfi East municipality.
The main river in the area, River Miesie, has been severely impacted. Fortunately, the recent operation led to the evacuation of illegal miners, and we hope that with time, the water bodies will recover.” He mentioned.
Arriving at the first site at 5:02 am, the security personnel found the temporary structure unoccupied. After searching the area, they set the site ablaze.
The search also revealed that three excavators had been hidden in a nearby thick bush. Following the operation, authorities retrieved seven excavators and three pump-action guns. The excavators have been impounded at the Wassa Amenfi East Assembly for further investigation.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Wassa Amenfi East, Raymond Nana Ebbah, has announced that the Assembly plans to establish a committee to oversee the reclamation of degraded lands, aiming to restore them for productive use.
“The Assembly plans to establish a committee to reclaim lands lost to illegal mining, which previous administrations failed to address. We intend to restore these lands and utilize them productively.
Given my recent assumption of office, I anticipate a timeline of several months to a year to complete the reclamation process and put the lands to good use.” He revealed.
To make the reclamation effort appealing, MCE Raymond Nana Ebbah announced that the Assembly will incentivize the reclamation process by offering rewards to miners who voluntarily participate in rehabilitating degraded sites.
“To motivate miners to reclaim degraded lands, the Assembly will offer a reward package to those who participate, setting a positive example for others.” He said.
During the operation, we observed one miner voluntarily reclaiming his degraded land.
This inspired Western Regional National Security Liaison Officer Brigadier General Musah Whajah (Rtd.), to propose that arrested illegal miners be required to restore the land they degraded, including filling in holes, as part of their punishment.
“A key takeaway is that we’ve observed successful land reclamation efforts and plan to mandate arrested illegal miners to restore degraded lands and fill holes. We’ll inform municipalities, assemblies, and MMDCEs to establish a monitoring committee.
This committee will track arrested miners and require them to reclaim damaged areas within a specified timeframe.” He suggested.
