Vacate All Galamsey Sites Within 72 Hours

…Birim North Security Council Orders

The Birim North District Security Council (DISEC) in the Eastern Region, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to all illegal miners operating within the Akyem Ntronang enclave, warning them to cease all activities immediately or face severe repercussions from the security authorities in the region.

The Security Council, also directed the illegal miners to withdraw all mining equipment from their sites and evacuate the community within the specified period of time.

“Given the fact that Galamsey is illegal under our laws and with our quest to ensure best mining practices and maintain safety in our communities, the Birim North District Assembly is hereby giving all illegal miners in Ntronang 72 hours ultimatum to stop all Galamsey operations in Ntronang and remove all mining tools and equipment from the sites within from the time and date of receipt of this letter,” except of the DISEC letter dated May 17, 2024 said.

The letter, which was also addressed to the Chief of Ntronang, Nana Baffour Asiedu Atakora II, noted that, “By this letter, you are humbly requested to inform the people in your community about the above stated directive”.

“I kindly request your immediate attention to this serious matter to maintain harmony and order in the Ntronang Community,” the letter added.

This directive, The Anchor gathered, follows recent protests led by the chiefs of Akyem Ntronang in the Oda area against the illegal mining operations within the community.

During these protests, the chiefs accused the District Chief Executive (DCE), Raymond Damptey, of complicity in the illegal activities.

However, in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, the DCE, vehemently denied these allegations.

The decision to flush out the illegal miners from the site was reached, following extensive community engagement and sensitisation sessions with the local chiefs and residents.

These discussions highlighted the widespread devastation caused by illegal mining activities throughout the town, prompting urgent action from the district security council.

Source: Anchorghana.com