The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed deep regret about the wanton destruction of the environment in the region through illegal mining activities.

He said the situation is threatening livelihoods dependent on water bodies, forest reserves and general economic development in the region.

Speaking to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Coordinating Directors in the region on Monday, 17th February 2025, on dangers associated with the canker if not halted, the Minister said the fight must not end but continue unabated.

Explaining the direct impact illegal mining activities continue to have on the environment, the local economy and investment, Hon. Joseph Nelson said the sustainability of some business establishments in the region is currently under threat.

In Ahanta West alone, he said the operations of the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL) and Norpalm, two major agro-processing companies, are being affected unjustifiably by the conduct of these illegal miners and their activities.

He noted that should this continue, these companies will suffer, and it will affect the jobs created by these companies.

"When their sustainability is threatened, then you can imagine the repercussions," the Minister remarked.

According to Hon. Joseph Nelson, the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the region must be able to tackle these illegal mining activities without fear or favour.
"If we cannot protect them [companies], we will be failing in our service to the nation", he advised the Coordinating Directors.

He said he will lead the fight against illegal mining activities in the region to protect sustainable jobs. "I intend to work with you to protect these jobs while we work to create new ones".

He cited River Ankobra and River Pra as two major river bodies in the region currently suffering from serious pollution from these illegal mining activities as examples of the danger associated with the canker.

According to the Minister, the country's agricultural sector is currently under serious threat due to illegal mining activities. "Agric is affected, and every facet of the Ghanaian economy is under attack".

The Minister told the Coordinating Directors that although many Ghanaians seem to have given up in the fight against illegal mining, considering its lucrative nature, he, as the Minister, will never give up.

"I think differently", he said, sounding optimistic in his quest to fight and win the war against illegal mining in the region.