Illegal mining was the main focus during a recent working visit by Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), to Atwima Nwabiagya South in the Ashanti Region.
During her visit, she met with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah, to strategize on measures to curb galamsey activities. Dr. Bissiw-Kotei reaffirmed the government’s resolve, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to eliminate illegal mining from affected communities.
She noted a disturbing trend: many individuals arrested for illegal mining are unemployed youth, manipulated by wealthy operators who remain hidden. This exploitation, she said, reflects a broader social and economic issue.
To address the challenge, Dr. Bissiw-Kotei announced the introduction of high-tech monitoring tools. These tools, including specialized software applications, will help detect and track unregulated mining operations in real-time.
Community-Led Strategy and Technological Innovation to Curb Illegal Mining
Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah responded by revealing the formation of a dedicated task force within the municipality. This team will work to identify, confront, and shut down illegal mining sites operating within the area.
He emphasized the importance of active community involvement. Collaborative action between residents, local authorities, and national agencies is critical to achieving lasting results. According to Boamah, without grassroots participation, efforts to combat galamsey may fall short.
The partnership between MDF and local leadership marks a proactive approach to address both environmental degradation and public safety concerns linked to illegal mining.
Both officials agree that a long-term solution depends on consistent enforcement, technology use, and stakeholder collaboration. Together, they aim to not only stop galamsey but also ensure sustainable development for affected communities.
