The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, has disclosed that some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in the region.
“We are all aware of the galamsey challenges that we are facing, and I think that if we should arrest, it must start from within us, because many of us are part of the galamsey game—and even some MMDCEs are part of the activities,” he lambasted.
“I am unable to mention names here, but we are monitoring, and we know very well that many of you, directly and indirectly, will soon be exposed,” he fumed.
According to the Minister, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has formed a committee to monitor and reclaim some of the lands for agricultural purposes as part of government’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere was speaking at a maiden meeting organized for Heads of Departments and MMDCEs within the region, in accordance with Section 191 of the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates that Regional Coordinating Councils meet at least twice yearly to deliberate, coordinate, and plan development.
The Minister also implored stakeholders and residents of the region, especially traditional leaders whose lands have been destroyed by galamsey activities, to release such lands for agricultural use.
