Following a resolution passed by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for the Central Region at its meeting held on Tuesday, 28^th November, 2023 at the banquet hall of the residency in Cape Coast, a decentralized community sensitization on the effect of illegal mining in various districts specifically mining communities was held on 8^th February, 2024 at the district assembly hall of the Twifo/Ati-Morkwa District Assembly.

The meeting commenced with the gathering of representatives of the assembly, opinion leaders, some stakeholders, small and medium scale miners and selected clergy men in the district following an opening prayer from Pastor Joel Kuwornu of the Internation Union of Pastors Assembly.

Mr. Awal A.M. Suhuyini the District Coordinating director of the assembly who doubled as the District Chief Executive’s representative commended the essence of the gathering. “The grievous effects of illegal mining on many mining districts and directives by the REGSEC were the reasons this gathering is necessitated. The Pra river which could freely be drunk without treatment, from 2022 till now has changed in colour. It is as a result of illegal mining activities ongoing in various areas of the district”, this he said. The government seeks to regularize and reduce to the barest minimum the effects of illegal mining, it is of this that all affected districts within the region are embarking on this same sensitization exercise of which all gathered have been carefully selected as agents of leadership and change in the district. Presentations proceeded after the DCD’s remarks.

In the first place the District Health Director of the Assembly, Reverend Emmanuel Partey presented on the health implications of illegal mining on the community. Its effects include physical/direct, indirect and chemical. Some of the health hazards associated with its effects are foot rot, injury, memory loss, goitre, drug addiction, infertility, central nervous system suppressor, teenage pregnancy, to mention but a few. He rallied for support from the various agencies in the fight against illegal mining.

In the area of Security, S.P Addae Boateng presented on the grave effects complemented by illegal mining in the district. Crime such as petty theft, robbery, defilement and others have been on the rise. For instance, defilement cases which was recorded in previous years as five (5), rose to sixteen (16) in numbers last year indicating a more than hundred percent (100%) increase. In the case of the fight against illegal mining, SP Addae Boateng described how many police officers had lost their lives in the process. Items like life jackets and boats needed for effective combat against the menace illegal mining has not been forth coming rendering this exercise futile.

Also, head of minerals Commission Mr. Charles Zantione took turns in presenting the support services the commission renders in the promotion and development of mining within the district and beyond. His outfit oversees nine (9) mining political jurisdictions (Assin Central Municipality, Assin North District, Assin South District, Adansi South District, Asikuma Odobeng Brakwa district, Twifo Atti-Morkwa District, Twifo Heman Lower Denkyira District, Agona East District and Agona West District). He advised all to seek proper documentation and clearance in the execution of mining activities for by so doing they will be free from anti galamsey threats within their communities.

He stated that, government intends to regularize mining activities in communities and to nationals and not foreigners. Community mining is what it will be localized as and will be regulated by the Minerals of Commission.

Mr. Zantione further on stated some solutions to fighting illegal mining; intensive community sensitization, auditing of mining firms and registration were some better ways to managing illegal mining. He also called on all to contact the Commission to seek for clearance on mining concessions and proper community mining areas.

Alternative ways of extracting minerals/gold without the use of chemicals such as retorting, centrifugal concentration medium was also presented as one of the ways to having a safer mining environment. He Conclusively, Mr. Awal A.M. Suhuyini encouraged all to take hold of the challenges illegal mining has on communities if not all and collectively it is possible to fight this death trap of illegal mining. All were encouraged to be ambassadors against the fight of illegal mining.