Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has outlined four priority areas that will receive focused attention from the government’s anti-illegal mining taskforce in the region.
According to Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the public update comes on the heels of a directive from the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to review and intensify the ongoing crackdown on illicit mining activities in the region.
The Ashanti Region, known for its rich mineral resources, has long been a battleground in the fight against the devastating environmental and social impacts of galamsey.
The regional authority tasked with spearheading this critical endeavor, Dr. Amoakohene pledged to employ a coordinated, transparent, and sustained approach to safeguarding the region’s natural assets and securing a more responsible mining sector for the people of Ashanti.
“Following the recent review of our anti-illegal mining operations as directed by the President, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, I wish to provide a brief update on the key priority areas identified for priority action.”
Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Targeting the Epicenters of Illegal Mining
According to Dr. Amoakohene, the four priority areas identified for immediate and sustained action include Mining in forest reserves, mining along river bodies, mining by the roadside and foreign involvement in illegal mining activities.
These critical zones, which have been the epicenters of illegal mining activities in the region, will be the primary focus of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce, with coordinated support from the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the various municipal and district security agencies, MDISECs.
Devastating Impacts of Galamsey
The activities of illegal mining have taken a heavy toll on the Ashanti Region just like any other galamsey exposed areas in the country leading to degradation of forest reserves, pollution of vital water bodies, and erosion of road infrastructure all contributing to the environmental and economic challenges.
The Regional Minister’s decision to target these priority areas underscores the government’s recognition of the urgent need to address the root causes of the galamsey menace.
“Mining activities outside these restricted zones remain permissible only when certified by rCOMSDEP,” the Regional Minister explained, emphasizing the importance of responsible mining practices and the need for strict oversight to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities.
Reclamation and River Protection Efforts
Recognizing the long-term consequences of the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, the Ashanti Regional Minister has revealed that steps are underway, under the directive of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to work with district assemblies and relevant agencies to begin large-scale reclamation of degraded lands across the region.
Additionally, the Ministry is deploying additional Blue River Guards to the affected districts to reinforce protection measures and complement the land reclamation work already planned.
These efforts aim to not only restore the damaged ecosystems but also prevent any resurgence of illegal mining activities in the region’s critical water bodies.
Rallying Public Support
The Regional Minister’s public update underscores the government’s commitment to a coordinated, transparent, and sustained approach to protecting the environment and securing a more responsible mining sector for the people of Ashanti Region.
“The general public is encouraged to support ongoing operations by providing timely and accurate information on activities that fall within these priority areas. Community vigilance remains essential to safeguarding our natural resources.”
Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene
By encouraging the general public to provide timely and accurate information on illicit mining activities, the government is seeking to harness the power of community vigilance in the fight against galamsey.
While the Ashanti Region continues to grapple with the consequences of illegal mining, the leadership and decisive action demonstrated by Dr. Frank Amoakohene and the regional authorities represent a crucial step towards safeguarding the region’s natural resources and securing a more sustainable future for its people.
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