In a bid to tackle illegal mining activities in the country, the Central Regional representative on the Council of State, Hakim Addei has joined forces with the Twifo Atti-Morkwa Police Command to clamp down on those involved in the act.
Mr. Addei, who is also the Dean of the NDC Chairmen in the Central Region, with the Twifo Atti-Morkwa Police Commander, Supt. Charles Addei Boateng, toured some of the affected areas of illegal mining, particulary along the Pra River.
Their effort is to augment President John Dramani Mahama’s priority to eradicate illegal mining in the country.
The collaboration between Hakim Addei and Superintendent Charles Addei Boateng aims to protect the Pra River, which serves thousands of people in the Central Region.
The river pollution has affected the Ghana Water Limited’s ability to extract raw water, resulting in erratic water supply to communities in Cape Coast and surrounding areas.
The Council of State Member disclosed that President Mahama has alternative plans for the youth who are involved in illegal mining and as such the youth must cease their activities.
He emphasized the need for support from the government to provide necessary resources, such as life jackets and speed boats, to aid the security services in their fight against illegal mining.
He urged the Central Regional Minister, Ekow Panyin Aduamoah, to as a matter of urgency, take immediate action to remove all illegal mining activities from the rivers and streams in the region.
The Omanhene of the Atti-Morkwa Traditional Council, Nana Oseadeayo Kwesi Kenin VI, also warned illegal miners to take their equipment out of the enclave immediately.
He appealed to the government to provide the necessary support to the security services to combat illegal mining.
By Kweku Antwi-Otoo
