A task force against illegal mining at Wenchi in the Bono Region has successfully arrested six individuals who were reportedly engaging in mining activities in the river Tain.
The task force was established by the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, with the specific aim of eliminating illegal mining upstream of the river Tain.
During an interaction with journalists at Wenchi, Osagyefo Tabrako revealed that the miners were caught red-handed perpetuating the illegal activities in the river when the task force carried out their clampdown. The first three individuals were apprehended in December 2023, while the remaining three were captured on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Following their arrest, the six alleged illegal miners have been handed over to the Wenchi police for further processing. Osagyefo Tabrako also mentioned that during the initial operation, the task force seized some mining equipment and a motorbike.
The paramount chief stressed the importance of the €30 million Wenchi water project, aimed at improving the poor water system in Wenchi. The project, funded by a €30 million credit facility from Belgium, is set to be sourced from River Tain. As a result, any form of illegal mining activity in this area, or any other location on their land, will not be tolerated by the Wenchi Traditional Council.
Osagyefo Tabrako assured that the anti-illegal mining taskforce is well-equipped to eradicate illegal mining and its related activities from the area. This strong stance and decisive action taken by the Wenchi Traditional Council is a clear demonstration of their commitment to protecting their natural resources and the environment.
