The illegal mining activity being conducted along the Konongo-Accra highway has been halted after intensified media reports.
Though satisfied with the intervention, residents want a sustained plan to prevent the miners from returning to the site.
Ibrahim Abubakar who reported about the illegal activity almost two weeks ago went back to the site to assess the current situation.
The illegality, when Media General reported on it on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 was so glaring that it catches the eye of motorists and passers-by using the highway.
The Owerri river suffered heavy pollution from the mining activities.
Few days later, the Asante Akim Central Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) clampdown on the miners.
“The initial intent was to dredge the Owerri river, but the activity turned into illegal mining. Fighting these illegal miners has not been easy. We are doing our best and the effort that MUSEC has put in place will help solve the issue. We are committed to making sure that the right thing is done”, Municipal Chief Executive for Asante Akim Central, Robert Yaw Kwakye explained.
For now, reclamation of the degraded land has begun but residents are hoping for a sustained effort.
“The authorities should intensify monitoring at the site to ensure no illegal activity goes on. If not, the miners may come back”, Ismael Issah, a farmer pleaded.
Another concerned resident, Kwame Osei indicates “the cost of the reclamation activity is being paid by the taxpayer so we shouldn’t allow this to go waste by allowing the miners back”.
The Municipal Chief Executive assured residents that the illegal miners will not return.
“This is our terrain. Whatever means we have to follow to make sure that they’re not there, we will do so to protect the area and make sure that nobody returns.
“We are hoping those we’ve contracted to cover the pits will do so on time to put the place in order,” he promised.
Source:onuaonline.com