The Atewa East District Security Council (DISEC) has stated it will not waver in its efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities within the district.
The council warned that both large-scale and small-scale miners risk legal action if they fail to restore lands degraded by their operations.
According to DISEC, the warning comes after some miners neglected commitments made to the District Assembly’s Mining Committee, with their response described as slow and largely indifferent.
The commitments followed a district-wide profiling exercise that identified mining concession holders and mapped out degraded sites. This initiative was introduced under a community-driven strategy to address illegal mining and environmental destruction.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, December 17, after inspecting reclamation activities at Anyinam, DISEC Chairman Ernest Owusu Ntim reaffirmed the council’s determination to ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly to safeguard the environment, lives, and property.
He acknowledged that while some miners have begun reclamation efforts in compliance with the agreement, several others remain noncompliant despite continuous engagement. Mr Ntim warned that persistent defaulters would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
