Galamsey operations on the rise in Asiakwa

Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, the Eastern Regional Minister, has expressed worry that the youth in the region were not content to learn a useful occupation but would rather prefer engaging in illegal mining activities.

He said this when he led personnel of the security forces to undertake an operation at Asiakwa in the East Akyem Municipality to flush out illegal miners commonly known as ‘galamsey’ operators from the area.

The security operation which occurred on Tuesday was done in collaboration with the Regional Police command, the Armed Forces and some National Security personnel.

Five suspects were arrested and equipment including six excavators and 25 water pumps valued at about GH¢600.00 each were seized.

In inspection of the area revealed that the reckless activities of the illegal miners had destroyed a vast spread of land used for farming crops such as cocoa, plantain, yam and cassava.

River Nsupon, the main river flowing through the town was not also spared from devastating activities of the illegal miners as they used the river to wash their findings and undertake their morning ablutions.

Source: GNA