The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has constituted and inaugurated a nine-member illegal mining task force with a call to ensure that lands, forests, and water bodies in the region are protected for the benefit of future generations.
The primary aim of the task force is to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities across the region, with particular emphasis on areas that have been severely impacted.
It is also mandated to identify galamsey sites, enforce laws and regulations, confiscate illegal mining equipment, protect water bodies and forests, embark on public education and awareness, and collaborate with local communities in the fight against galamsey.
Inaugurating the task force, the Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, said galamsey, as a security threat, does not only pose danger to the ecosystem and the economy but also a serious threat to human lives.
She said the harmful effects of galamsey activities, particularly the destruction of water bodies, deforestation, and land degradation, are far-reaching and threaten the future of all sectors.
Mrs. Awatey reiterated that the President Mahama-led administration is committed to the fight against galamsey as part of the resetting agenda.
She therefore assured the task force that adequate resources would be provided for the smooth execution of its work.
The minister was optimistic that with the task force in place, the region would no longer tolerate illegal mining in any form.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Twumasi Ankrah, who is also the chairman of the task force, pledged to work assiduously to ensure that responsible mining becomes the order of the day.
