The appeal follows a visit by the Western Regional Security Council (RESEC) and Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to the Ghana Rubber Estate plantation, where they observed vast devastation caused by illegal mining operations in the area.

A vast expanse of rubber plantation has come under relentless attack by illegal miners day in and day out, despite the efforts of the plantation’s security forces.

From afar, one could see a plantation, but beneath the canopy of the trees lies a critical scene: illegal miners have dug several mining holes, aside from areas where about ten thousand trees have already been pulled down to pave the way for illegal gold extraction.

The managers of the farm say the situation is getting out of hand, as they dislodge galamsey activities daily. They add that they have reported more than seventy galamsey incidents within the plantation in the first quarter of this year a situation that has led them to appeal to the police and judicial service to expedite the prosecution process.

Following a series of complaints about illegal mining activities, the Western Regional Security Council, together with the Director of Operations for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel Dominic Buah, embarked on a site visit on Thursday to assess the situation and find a solution to the issue.

Upon their arrival at the site, the Chairman of the Council, who is also the Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson visibly unhappy with the vast destruction of the plantation issued a strong warning to residents living in and engaging in illegal mining in the area.

After witnessing the vast destruction, the Operations Director at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah, spoke off camera and disclosed that preparations for dispatching NAIMOS troops to the region are far advanced. He added that within a few weeks, they would announce their presence to help curb the menace.

Responding to the claims, Mr. Bentil described the allegations as baseless and challenged individuals making such assertions to present credible evidence to the public.

“I am not involved in illegal mining. Anyone with evidence to the contrary should come forward and make it public,” he stated.

The lawmaker noted that Mpohor has historically been a mining enclave, with the sector serving as a major source of livelihood for many residents. He added that proceeds from mining activities over the years have supported several individuals in the area to pursue their education and improve their living conditions.

Mr. Bentil, however, acknowledged that he has operated as a licensed gold buyer for several years, stressing that the business is legal and conducted within the framework of the law.

His remarks come at a time of heightened national attention on illegal mining and its impact on the environment, particularly water bodies and farmlands.

He further urged the public to be guided by facts and avoid spreading unverified claims, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the law and supporting responsible mining practices.

According to him, he and several other scrap dealers were contacted by NDC executives, who informed them that the Ghana Railway Company was auctioning scrap materials, including coaches, wagons, and rails.

He recounted that they were told the items had been handed over to the regional executives stationed at the railway station at Takoradi Harbour. Interested groups were required to pay GH¢330,000 each, equivalent to 100 tons of scrap, in order to gain access to the materials.

Mr. Razak alleged that a total of 10 groups of scrap dealers participated in the payment, with each group contributing GH¢330,000, resulting in a total of GH¢3.3 million.

“We were summoned by our regional chairman and were informed that the railway scrap auction had been approved, and that we should pay GH¢330,000 per group to gain access to the materials,” he explained.

He noted that payments were made on a Monday to the committee, which included the Effia Constituency Chairman, who assured them that documentation was underway and that work could commence the following day.

However, after waiting several days, their operations were halted by individuals claiming to be from the National Security.

“When we went to start work, we were stopped by National Security and informed that the Ministry of Roads and Highways had not received any payment. Until this is rectified, we cannot proceed with our work,” Alhaji Razak lamented.

He further revealed that despite multiple attempts to seek clarification from the chairman, they were told that the money had already been sent to a national committee based in Accra at Akuma Plaza, a claim that remains unverified.

Mr. Razak stated that he personally paid GH¢330,000 to a man identified only as Chairman Seidu, who is believed to be the Effia Constituency Chairman and a member of the committee in question.

“Right now, we are demanding our money back or immediate permission to begin work. If this issue is not resolved, I will escalate the matter to the regional chairman and national security for redress.” 

He called on the authorities to swiftly investigate the matter, describing it as a clear case of deceit that threatens the livelihoods of many legitimate scrap dealers in the region.

The incident occurred on Friday, during a field operation aimed at dismantling illegal mining (galamsey) sites within the Obuasi enclave. Reports indicate that the EPA task force, which was accompanied by armed security personnel, came under attack from a group of irate miners at Dadwene, forcing the officials and journalists to retreat.

Eyewitnesses say chaos broke out as the convoy attempted to withdraw from the area. In the confusion, one of the vehicles skidded off the road near Afari, resulting in several injuries. Two journalists reportedly sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility.

Among those involved in the accident was Ibrahim Abubakar, the Ashanti Regional Correspondent for Media General, who fortunately escaped with minor injuries. Another reporter from Adom News, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was also part of the affected team.

A source close to the EPA operation told AlmightyNews that the ordeal has left members of the team deeply shaken.

“It was terrifying — the officers and journalists were under real threat before the crash happened,” the source recounted.

The anti-galamsey exercise is part of the EPA’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities destroying water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands across Ghana.

As of now, both the police and local authorities are yet to issue an official statement, though investigations are reportedly underway to identify those behind the attack and to determine the full extent of the injuries.

Source: AlmightyNews

The caucus blamed the tragic incidents on weak law enforcement and what it described as a lack of political will by the government to tackle the menace, which continues to claim lives and destroy the environment.

Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Akwasi Konadu, called for urgent and decisive measures to curb the growing threat of illegal mining and its associated human and environmental toll.

“From January to July 2025, Ghana recorded at least 17 deaths linked directly to galamsey activities. These are not mere statistics; these are Ghanaian lives — breadwinners, mothers, sons, and daughters lost to the reckless pursuit of unregulated mineral wealth,” Mr. Konadu said.

He lamented that despite numerous warnings, the government had failed to implement effective interventions to prevent such tragedies.

“Mr. Speaker, how many lives must be lost before an urgent, decisive action is taken? The prevalence of death and environmental collapse is a direct consequence of ineffective law enforcement, the lack of political will, and, in some instances, the complicity of some state actors and traditional authorities,” he added.

The victims were among five people who allegedly sneaked into the site to mine around 1 a.m., according to the Twifo Praso District Police Command.

A fourth body was still being sought, while a fifth person, who was operating a pumping machine, escaped and raised the alarm.

Rescue efforts, which lasted several hours, were led by police with support from the District Chief Executive Isaac Yawson, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana National Fire Service.

Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has claimed dozens of lives in Ghana in recent years despite repeated crackdowns.

Speaking after the operation, Hon. Aidoo emphasized the severe impact of illegal mining on the environment and local communities. He called for collective action to tackle the menace.

“The ripple effect of galamsey is enormous. We must all come together to fight this devastating calamity,” he stated.

According to the MCE, the joint task force successfully conducted an operation deep within the Cape Three Points Forest. During the raid, seven individuals were arrested, and more than ten “chamfa” machines—commonly referred to as “one leg”—were destroyed, delivering a major blow to illegal mining operations in the area.

Hon. Aidoo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the environment and upholding the law, stating that the operation was a clear demonstration of his resolve as MCE.

He further noted that pragmatic measures are being implemented to ensure that local communities are better equipped and safer, highlighting the Assembly’s dedication to long-term environmental sustainability and community protection.

Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, condemned politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) following the tragic August 6, 2025, Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, which killed eight, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, per Citi News. The group was en route to Obuasi for the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) launch to combat galamsey.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on August 8, Ashigbey declared, “The blood of these eight is on your head,” urging galamsey financiers to repent and demanding stricter penalties beyond deportation, including fines and jail time. The deceased also included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and military crew Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter lost radar contact, possibly due to poor weather, with remains sent to South Africa for DNA identification, per Ghana News Agency. Ashigbey called for national reflection and action to end galamsey, emphasizing accountability. The Ghana helicopter crash galamsey tragedy fuels demands for environmental reform. Stay updated on the Ghana helicopter crash galamsey probe and anti-galamsey efforts!

source: myjoyonline