E/R:Chief of Asiakwa Cracks Down on Illegal Mining: Excavator Control Boards Seized

In a bold move to enforce the ban on mining along the Birim and Supong Rivers, Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo, Chief of Asiakwa and Nifahene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, led a decisive operation to shut down illegal mining activities. Accompanied by his cabinet and a task force, the chief raided a mining site in the Asiakwa community and confiscated multiple excavator control boards to cripple the illegal operations.  

This action aligns with Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin's directive to prohibit mining in the area as part of a broader effort to protect natural water bodies and combat environmental destruction.  

Chief Twum Ampofo has remained steadfast in his fight against illegal mining, ensuring that Asiakwa’s rivers and natural resources are preserved for future generations. During the recent raid, the team discovered illegal miners operating along the riverbanks. However, upon seeing the task force, some miners fled, abandoning their excavators, fuel, and generators. Those who remained faced immediate consequences, as authorities seized equipment and dismantled infrastructure to prevent further mining activities.  

Instead of burning the excavators, the chief and his team adopted a strategic approach by removing the control boards, rendering the heavy machinery inoperable. This move ensures that the excavators cannot be used for illegal activities while preserving them for potential lawful use in the future.  

Speaking to the media, Daasebre Twum Ampofo addressed the ongoing struggle to curb galamsey in the community. He emphasized that, despite multiple warnings, illegal miners have continued to destroy the land and water bodies. To counter this, the Asiakwa Royal Palace has introduced a condition for the return of seized equipment:  

Miners must reclaim and restore the destroyed lands before retrieving their machinery. Replanting of devastated areas with trees will be mandatory to help regenerate the soil for future farming.  

This approach ensures that those responsible for the destruction take concrete steps toward restoration before regaining access to their equipment.  

Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo and his cabinet have issued a final warning to all illegal miners in the area, instructing them to cease operations immediately or face severe legal consequences. He directed that all mining equipment be removed from the sites before the next crackdown, emphasizing that failure to comply will lead to further equipment seizures and legal action.  

Backing the chief’s efforts, Apagyahene of Asiakwa, Nana Yaw Brobbey, commended the initiative, expressing confidence that sustaining these efforts would lead to positive outcomes.  

Meanwhile, some residents living near mining sites have reported being pressured by illegal miners with offers to sell their properties. Opanin Bernard Ampomaa Gyamena, a local resident, revealed that miners have offered money to homeowners to take over their land for mining purposes. While some individuals have succumbed to these pressures, others have stood firm, refusing to sell their homes.  

He expressed concerns about the long-term environmental impact, stating that future generations will hold today’s community members accountable for either protecting or neglecting their natural resources.  

With the firm leadership of Daasebre Dr. Twum Ampofo and the support of the community, Asiakwa is setting an example in the fight against illegal mining. This latest crackdown sends a strong message that illegal activities will no longer be tolerated, ensuring a sustainable future for the land, water bodies, and people of Asiakwa.

Credit: Paul Manyo