E/R:Atiwa East Residents and Business Community Call for Review of Anti-Illegal Mining Operations

 

Concerned citizens and business operators in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region have expressed varied views on Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, calling for a more balanced and inclusive approach.

Speaking to the media on 16th December 2025, Mr. Owusu Agyapong, a merchant in the district, described the fight against illegal mining as a collective responsibility but raised concerns about the operational approach of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to him, officials of the EPA recently visited the district and announced that sellers of Chanfang engines would be targeted in their operations.

Mr. Agyapong argued that the decision is misplaced, stressing that Chanfang engines are not designed solely for mining but are also used for farming purposes, including tractors and other agricultural machinery. He warned that a clampdown on the sale of such engines would negatively affect businesses and livelihoods in the district, and therefore appealed to the government, particularly the EPA, to reconsider the move to prevent potential economic losses.

Sharing his perspective, Mr. Adenyo Francis, a licensed miner and Managing Director of MCI Mining Company, said illegal mining activities remain a major concern for legal operators, as they tarnish the image of licensed mining companies. He noted that although legal miners have formed task forces to help curb illegal mining, they lack the legislative authority to effectively deal with offenders.

Mr. Francis further criticized the operational style of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), describing it as overly aggressive. He explained that the manner in which NAIMOS officials approach mining sites often instills fear, forcing even licensed miners to flee. He called for clearer distinctions between legal and illegal miners during operations and emphasized the need for increased education and engagement by institutions such as the EPA and the Minerals Commission to address non-compliance among licensed miners.

He added that mining is capital-intensive, and frequent invasions of legal mining sites place severe financial strain on companies. He therefore appealed to the government to address these concerns to ensure the sustainability of lawful mining operations.

In a concluding remark, some residents who also spoke to the media urged the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining, alleging that some illegal miners have compromised certain state institutions involved in the campaign. They stressed the need for stronger, more transparent measures to effectively win the fight against illegal mining while protecting legitimate businesses.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare