The Minister of Defense, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Ambrosse Derry on Tuescday, 5th September, 2017 visited personnel of the Operation Vanguard taskforce in Obuasi. The operation Vanguard taskforce which has both regional and national headquarters in Obuasi is a joint Police and Military taskforce formed to enforce the country’s laws against the illegal mining which has devastated the country’s land and water resources.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi, Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah, the Member of Parliament for Obuasi East Constituency, Hon. Boakye Yiadom, Municipal Coordinating Director, Justice Amoah. The two Obuasi Constituency chairman of the NPP, some Assembly members of the Municipal Assembly were present to welcome the two Ministers.
The first point of call was a visit to Ankaako in the Amansie Central District on the Obuasi Dunkwa road. The team visited a vast mining site deep into a forest where a river has been diverted to help them in their galamsey activities, destruction of the diverted river and uncountable deep holes on the lands, which can easily cause death to persons at that same place, was observed. Again, the team discovered that illegal chain saw operators were engaged in indiscriminate felling of trees in the forest. This act, though not part of the duties of the Operation Vanguard, was condemned by the Interior Minister.
In a short interview with the Minister of Interior Hon. Ambrose Derry who together with other members of the team was visibly dismayed about the destruction caused, advised Ghanaians to desist and adhere to the caution given to people embarking on such activities to cease operations.
He emphasized, the government will not hesitate to let the law work, if anyone is found guilty of the offence. He said the operation will not just be a one day wonder or a flash in the pan as some Ghanaians perceive. The two ministries, with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will not sit to watch some few Ghanaians destroy water bodies, all in the name of making ends meet, he added.
Dominic Nitiwul, during his engagement with the press revealed how the three Ministries are doing all they can to support the President of the Republic, Nana Akuffo Addo to realize his dream of banning totally, the activities of illegal mining in the country in order to reclaim our arable lands and clean water bodies
Touching on the management of farm lands destroyed at all illegal mining sites, he said the government will soon employ the youth in covering all pits and plant trees to replace the lost ones in order to reclaim the rich natural forest the country has lost and is still losing as a result of illegal mining. This, he explained would create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.
In a meeting with the personnel of the Operation Vanguard at their camping base in Obuasi, Hon. Ambrose Derry commended them for their immense efforts to help fight illegal galamsey activities and putting Ghanaians on the alert on how serious this government is on issues concerning illegal mining activities and totally eradicating it in the country.
He stated that, the Akuffo Addo led government is showing a different style of leadership, stating this government has the political will to stem the tide of illegal mining in the country and appealed to the taskforce not to relent on their mission while they wait for further instructions from government.
He advised the personnel of the operation vanguard to always follow due process, which is the most important thing to do and also know when to apply a particular force on civilians when necessary. He commended them for the sacrifice for mother Ghana and the government will continue to support them in any way where needed.
Dominic Nitiwul on his side also commended the Municipal Chief Executive and Member of Parliament for their immense contribution towards the personnel ever since they arrived in Obuasi. He encouraged personnel to continue the good work done and always know the President will support them in all aspects provided they follow directives from their superiors. He advised inhabitants to never hesitate to render any form of support to the team when needed and also eschew the practice of reading political meanings to the activities of the taskforce.
He advised mining operators to follow due process and form small groups to wait for directives from the government to be able to resume their activities. An amount of Ten Thousand Ghana cedis (10,000.00) was also donated to the team as a form of motivation to them from the Government.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Elijah Adansi Bonah advised illegal miners to adhere to directives given by the government whiles he pledged his support as the Chief Executive for the fight against illegal mining by ensuring that he assist the taskforce to carry out its mandate.