The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has called on chiefs and residents of Amomaso and Benkasa in the Berekum West District to actively support efforts to curb illegal mining activities in their communities.
He urged residents to report any suspected galamsey operations to security agencies or the District Assembly to enable swift action.
Mr Akwaboa explained that security agencies rely heavily on credible intelligence to track and dismantle illegal mining networks operating in local communities.
“If illegal miners enter the forests and residents fail to report them, it becomes difficult for security agencies to respond quickly,” he noted.
He made the appeal during the extension of his “Accounting to the People” engagement series in Jinijini, the district capital, where he interacted with community members. The forum, he said, is part of government efforts to promote transparency, participation, and accountable governance.
The Regional Minister also disclosed that additional measures have been introduced to tackle illegal mining in Amomaso and Benkasa, including the deployment of a security taskforce to disrupt unlawful operations.
He cautioned residents against individuals who falsely use the names of government officials to engage in illegal mining, urging the public to report such cases immediately.
“If there is any legitimate mining activity planned, the community will be informed,” he assured, stressing that neither President John Mahama nor the Bono Regional Coordinating Council supports illegal mining.
Mr Akwaboa further appealed for continued vigilance and timely sharing of information to help sustain the fight against galamsey.
Meanwhile, the Berekum West District Chief Executive, Collins Asoma, outlined ongoing development projects in the area, including infrastructure works in senior high and basic schools, sanitation and water facilities, CHPS compound construction, road improvements, agricultural support, and youth employment and skills training programmes.