The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region, Hon. Sophia Aubyn, together with her taskforce, has arrested more than 45 persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, within the district.
The arrests form part of intensified efforts by the Mpohor Fiase District Assembly to clamp down on illegal mining activities, which continue to pose a serious threat to the environment, water bodies and agricultural lands across the district.
According to the Assembly, the taskforce has been conducting operations in areas identified as hotspots for illegal mining, resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the disruption of their activities. Some equipment allegedly used for the illegal operations was also seized during the exercise.
Hon. Sophia Aubyn has reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to protecting the district’s natural resources and preventing illegal miners from destroying farmlands and water bodies for personal gain.
The DCE is expected to work closely with relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain the crackdown and prevent those arrested from returning to illegal mining activities.
Residents have also been encouraged to provide credible information to the authorities to support efforts to combat galamsey and protect the district’s natural resources.
The Mpohor Fiase District Assembly says the exercise will continue as part of broader measures to safeguard the environment, protect livelihoods and promote responsible economic activities within the district.