The Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, Pious Kwame Nkuah, has led a police patrol team in the arrest of seven illegal miners ‘galamseyers’ at Nyamedeso in the Akontombra District of the Western North Region.
Mr. Nkuah revealed that the illegal miners had been operating in the area for about three months now. Despite multiple warnings to the site owner to vacate the area, they refused to comply.
In previous attempts, a police task force was sent to stop the activities, but informants would alert the miners, allowing them to escape. However, during this latest operation, the task force acted without prior notice, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, including six men and a woman.
The MP expressed concern over the environmental damage caused by the illegal mining activities. He noted that the miners had destroyed the only stream that serves as the main source of water for the surrounding villages.
“They had blocked the stream, preventing the flow of water, making it difficult for residents to access clean drinking water,” he indicated.
Nkuah also mentioned that the Ghana Education Service in the Akontombra District had given a two-week ultimatum, warning that if the water crisis is not resolved, schools in the area may be forced to close down.
Addressing allegations that he is involved in illegal mining, the MP denied any connection to galamsey activities. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting illegal mining in his constituency and ensuring that those involved face justice.
According to reports, the suspected owner of the illegal mining site is a man known as Cudjoe.
The arrested individuals are currently in police custody at the Western North Regional Police Command in Sefwi Wiawso.
During the arrest, the police retrieved several items, including suspected marijuana (weed), lighters, Chanfang machines, water pumping equipment, and ammunition. Investigations are ongoing.
The MP has pledged to find an urgent solution to the water crisis and has issued a strong warning to all illegal miners in the constituency, stating that he will not tolerate any further galamsey activities.
By Emmanuel Sowah|Western North Region
