Residents of Nsuokyire in the Aowin District of the Western North Region have taken matters into their own hands, expelling two Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
The incident, which occurred over the weekend, highlights the growing frustration within local communities regarding the environmental damage caused by such activities.
The Chinese nationals, along with a Ghanaian accomplice, were found near the Tano Numre Forest, an area that has suffered significant environmental degradation due to illegal mining operations.
The Tano River, a vital water source for the region, has also been heavily polluted by these activities, which has exacerbated flooding risks and affected the local ecosystem.
Acting on the call from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for a collective community effort against galamsey, the enraged residents stormed the illegal mining site.
Armed with sticks, they apprehended the suspects after seeing them loitering near the mining operation.
The local community, unwilling to stand by while their environment was being destroyed, decided to take immediate action.
The suspects were escorted to the chief’s palace for further investigation and potential legal action.
In addition to confronting the miners, the residents set fire to makeshift structures that had been left behind at the site, sending a clear message of defiance against illegal mining activities in their area.
One of the protestors, speaking to the media emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing that the locals could no longer rely on authorities to intervene.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
