The Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Security Council (DISEC) in the early hours of Tuesday, raided illegal mining sites along the course of the Pra River in the district. 

Four were arrested and dozens of equipment such as chanfan and pumping machines were burnt. 

The eight-hour operation was led by Mr Robert Agyemang Nyantakyi, District Chief Executive, Superintendent Charles Addai Boateng, District Police Commander and Mr Richmond Addai Marfo, District Director for the National Disaster Management Organisation. 

The move was aimed at protecting the sanctity of the river that serves thousands across the Central Region. 

Currently, the illegal mining activities along the Pra River in the Central Region are making it almost impossible for Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to extract raw water from its Sekyere Hemang Treatment Plant to supply adequate potable water to residents of Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities. 

Pollution of the river, particularly its catchment for abstraction, has reduced water at its intake point, because of which the company has resorted to an erratic supply of water to the affected communities, particularly the Cape Coast metropolis. 

Briefing the media after the exercise, Mr Nyantakyi, assured of the Assembly’s resolve to stamp out the illegal mining in the area, particularly on water bodies. 

The Assembly would continue to work together with Chiefs, traditional rulers, and all stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining. 

The successful galamsey fight required collaborative national efforts, he stated, noting “You and I have to take the lead to collaborate closely to do this.  

“That is what we are doing to save humanity.” 

Mr Nyantakyi also appealed to all political parties and politicians to desist from politicising the national fight against the pervasive menace saying: “It is a united fight, not a political fight.” 

Nonetheless, called for logistical support saying “We need live jackets and speed boats to chase out these notorious miners on the river bodies. 

“My clarion call is to all Ghanaians, particularly those who depend on river Pra for survival to come on board,” he appealed.