The Birim North District Assembly, one of the districts where illegal mining (galamsey) is most endemic continues its fight against the activity to save the environment and water bodies.

The exercise embarked on last Thursday by the District Assembly with support from the security services led to the arrest of 5 persons who are currently in police custody.

The exercise which was carried in Pankese and Nyafoman communities also resulted in the seizure of a number of items 2 excavators, a taxi cab, motorbike and a number of water pumps.
They were caught operating on the river with two of them seriously smoking wee.

Mr. Aboagye Paul Dadzie, District Chief Executive for the area, said the assembly will not give up until these illegal activities are stopped.
According to him, the alarming rate at which galamsey operators are fast degrading the environment especially farm lands and water bodies is worrying, and that they must be stopped now.

"Because these people operate in groups, even if you seize their equipment, they only give themselves few days off and fall back on standby equipment to continue the illegal activities" , he added.

Mr. Dadzie said though the clampdown has financial implications on the finances of the assembly, it is worth it.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com