The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio has intimated that government will undertake further investigations into circumstances that led to the clashes between the Youth of Manso-Aboaboso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region and the security personnel of Kingsperp mining firm stationed in the Community.

According to him, the move, follows the burning of two excavators and one Nissan pick-up vehicle belonging to the company and injury of a community member which incident occurred on Saturday, January 1, 2022.

The Deputy Lands Minister who led a fact finding Mission to ascertain the incident, reaffirmed government’s resolve to deploy the operation Halt II taskforce to clampdown on illegalities in forest reserves and water bodies across all mining districts.

“We are to confirm the situation and identify the security risk involve and engage with you on the possible way forward”.
Benito Owusu-Bio

Honorable Benito Bio asked the mining company to as, a matter of urgency, cease all forms of mining activities with immediate effect but added that the firm can engage personnel to guard its equipment.

Honorable Benito touching on the efforts by government to reclaim mine out areas said, “mined out areas in the Apaparama and the Oda forest reserves will be reclaimed to restore sanity and water flow especially the Oda river area where this mining activity is taking place”.

The Deputy Lands Minister also reminded the District Security Council (DISEC) of their role as arrow heads for the enforcement of security in their jurisdiction, adding that much is expected of the Council in that regard.

Honorable Owusu-Bio therefore called for calm between the Community and the security personnel of the mining company and charged them to eschew acts that hinder peaceful coexistence.

The field investigation team included the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr John Allotey and Mr. Joseph Osiakwan Ag. Technical Director of Forestry of the Ministry.

National Security harassment

In a related development, Community Miners and Youth of Akyem Abomosu in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region have accused some operatives of the National Security for harassing and robbing them at gunpoint.

The angry Community miners disclosed the gun wielding men led by one Kwadwo Bamba, a former leader of vigilante group now a national security Operative has been invading their mining sites.

Addressing the media, the community miners alleged that for some time now, Kwadwo Bamba who claims to be a National Security Operative has been terrorizing and robbing them of their gold and motorbikes in broad daylight.

They disclosed that alleged national security Operatives have visited the area three consecutive times with highly sophisticated guns including AK47, pistols and ammunition. kingsperp

The miners described the actions of the thugs who claim to be national security Operatives as broad daylight robbery therefore appealed to the state security apparatus to deal with them, hence they’ve determined to face them any time they see them around their area.