Ellembelle District Chief Executive Kwasi Bonzoh is taking a strong stance against illegal mining in the area, vowing to take legal action against CIC Express Company Limited for their illicit activities in the Subri River, behind Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School.
Kwasi Bonzo’s fight against galamsey isn’t new. He’s tackled the issue before, successfully halting operations and removing excavators from sites near Nkroful. This time, he’s taking on CIC Express Company Limited for illegal mining in the Subri River.
Ellembelle District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzo, has revealed that CIC Express Company Limited was caught conducting illegal mining operations on October 6, 2024, despite initially requesting permission to undertake reclamation work on the school’s land. What’s striking is that this illicit activity occurred before the company received approval from the assembly.
This illegal activity has caused significant damage to the Subri River and poses a threat to students lives. Two individuals were arrested, and three excavators were seized following the incident. Kwasi Bonzoh expressed shock and dismay over the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“The Chief of Nkroful, through his secretary, sent a letter dated September 20, 2024, requesting approval for CIC Express Company Limited to conduct reclamation and dredging operations in the area. We received the letter on September 30, 2024, but since these matters require careful consideration, I referred them to the relevant committee and department for review”.
“However, before we could even deliberate on the request, CIC Express moved its equipment to the site and began mining. This blatant disregard for procedure caught my attention as the District Chief Executive (DCE), and I swiftly mobilized the District Security Council members”.
“On Sunday, October 5, 2024, at 3 pm, we conducted an operation, arresting two individuals and seizing three excavators involved in the illicit activity. The fact that this illegal mining took place in plain sight, near the student body’s classrooms and dormitories, raises questions about the perpetrator’s audacity”.
“It’s puzzling why someone committing a crime would choose such a visible location. Research suggests that individuals engaging in criminal behavior are often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In this case, it’s crucial to investigate further to unravel the mystery surrounding CIC Express’s operations”. He explained.
Kwasi Bonzoh, the Ellembelle District Chief Executive, has been actively fighting against galamsey (illegal mining) in the area.
His efforts demonstrate the importance of community support in combating this issue, as he has emphasized that the fight against galamsey requires collective action.
The Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School Old Students Association has also condemned the illegal mining, vowing to support efforts to stop the menace. The association’s president, Kojo Dick, highlighted the dangers posed to students’ lives and the need for collective action.
“For three consecutive times, we’ve battled this menace. Three years ago, illegal mining operators invaded our land, prompting a court case at Sekondi High Court to summon the chief and halt operations. We thought we’d resolved the issue, but another company has returned, digging near the dormitories, piggery, and fishponds.”
“As an agricultural secondary school, our piggeries, fishponds, and plantations are vital. However, the rubber and coconut plantations have been destroyed, leaving only the dormitories intact. If we give in again, our buildings will be next. That’s why the old students have taken it upon ourselves to fight this battle once more.” He stated.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
