The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has vowed a decisive crackdown on illegal mining activities following the tragic deaths of three children who drowned in abandoned mining pits.
Speaking at Akyem Abompe in the Fanteakwa South District on Wednesday, the visibly outraged minister condemned the devastation caused by illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” and announced that the newly formed Regional Anti-Galamsey Taskforce would soon take action.
Her warning comes in the wake of two siblings drowning in a galamsey pit near residential homes in Akyem Abompe, just days after another child lost their life under similar circumstances in Denkyembuor.
No Pleas for Arrested Miners
Madam Awatey made it clear that no one should attempt to intervene on behalf of arrested illegal miners or seized mining equipment.
“It is painful that we have leaders in this community. Don’t we have security personnel here? Even if the miners work at night, don’t we hear the noise of the excavators? I have been to Akwatia and now I am in Abompe, and I am frightened,“ she said.
She stressed that the taskforce would be engaging with both large-scale and small-scale miners before launching its operations.
“From tomorrow, we are meeting the miners—both large and small-scale operators. Most of you have heard that we have formed a taskforce, and we will be taking action soon. Nobody should call me or anyone around me to plead because I will not listen,” she warned.
In response to the drownings, the minister has directed authorities to launch an immediate investigation to identify those responsible and hold them accountable.
She also visited the bereaved families to express her condolences and assured them that justice would be served. A token was presented to the affected families as a gesture of support.
With the minister’s firm stance, residents are now anticipating a major crackdown on illegal mining in the region.
The newly established Regional Anti-Galamsey Taskforce is expected to begin operations in the coming days, marking a renewed effort to curb the environmental destruction and safety hazards caused by galamsey activities.
