The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Prestea Huni-Valley in the Western region, Matthew Ayeh, on Monday, October 6, led a rapid response operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities involving some Chinese nationals and their Ghanaian collaborators along the Apiate stretch of the municipality.

Speaking in an interview following the exercise, Mr Ayeh explained that his outfit has established dedicated anti-galamsey hotlines to enable residents to promptly report any illegal mining activity that threatens the environment and water bodies.

“This [Monday] afternoon, while I was in the office going about my normal routine as a Municipal Chief Executive, someone sent me videos of some Chinese and Ghanaians destroying lands along the Apiate stretch. Immediately, I put everything on hold and contacted the District Police Commander,” he narrated.

Within 30 minutes, the District Police Commander and his team arrived at the scene to support the operation.

Although the suspects had fled before the team arrived, several machines, including excavators, were seized.

“The Chinese had run away, but the machines, including the excavators, were all there. We have removed the control board of the excavator and are making arrangements for a low-bed truck to transport it away. We also burnt the structure in which they were staying,” Mr Ayeh stated.

He described the operation as “fruitful,” commending the swift collaboration between the Assembly and the security agencies, particularly the District Police command.

The MCE reiterated his commitment to intensifying the fight against galamsey, urging residents to make use of the rapid response numbers to support efforts to protect lands and water bodies from illegal mining activities.